“I started the programme with over 30 children and today I have selected the best 20 players who I help every week on Tuesday and Wednesday for one hour,” Stephen says.
“I have taught the kids what I have learned from VFF and OFC. You can see nothing is different from what the coaches are doing in Port Vila.”
Stephen says with his programme following the outlines that have endorsed by VFF he imagines it won’t be long before Vanuatu has a national U-12 football competition.
He says VFF has a strong development programme, that includes Development Centres like the one he is running on Tanna, and it’s more than likely more of his young players will be selected for the Teouma Academy programme.
“To me this programme really encourages me to spread the good news of football to the children and also helps the kids grow up to be good football players representing Tafea Football Association.
“And who knows, maybe one or two of the players might end up at the Academy and playing for the Vanuatu national team one day.”
Joel Stephen also manages the Centre of Excellence programme (U-15) at Lamenu Stadium in Tanna, with the help of Tafea FA administrator Anthony Kalia.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

Share