World Footy News

The following is an AFL NT media release.

AFL Northern Territory is pleased to announced the recruitment of NT Thunder Ruckman and NTFL Rising Star winner, Neil Vea Vea, to the role of Multicultural Ambassador for the Northern Territory.

“In the newly appointed role Neil will be charged with a variety of Multicultural Program activations across the Territory, as well as providing key mentor and leadership support to up and coming multicultural players with in the NT,” said AFLNT Participation Manager Adam Moedt.

Vea Vea, 19, of South Sea Island descent (Vanuatu), feels privileged to be able to play a part in delivering the multicultural programs with in the Northern Territory.

“This opportunity is very exciting for me personally as it opens up a chance for me to develop as a leader in the community and also for me to further spread the game of AFL with the multicultural space.”

In 2011 Vea Vea, showed his athletic ability being chosen to join Canterbury Bulldogs Scholarship Program before returning to the NT and to AFL football with NTFL Club Wanderers where in 2012-13 he won the NT News NTFL Rising Star Award.

“Coming from a traditional rugby culture, AFL has afforded me the opportunity to see how the sport plays a big part of the community and enables children of all backgrounds to come together under the one banner.”

Vea Vea will play a crucial role in recruiting and mentoring young men such as Zane Lopez (Spain) and Lope Goidubu (PNG) who have recently travelled to Melbourne for the 2013 AFL World XVIII selection camp as part of the World XVIII entry into the NAB AFL U16 Championships.

He has also started to continue to work with the African Leadership Academy and in particular Patrick Taban as well as other promising young players that have returned from the World XVIII Program.

“It is a credit to Neil and his strength of character at such a young age to be able to take on this role and we look forward to watching our multicultural programs grow as a result,” advised Moedt.