Port Vila football development officer Melly David has been playing football with Lopatu for the past three years and her love of the game has seen her start working with PVFA Women’s League to further develop opportunities for women.
Working closely with VFF Women’s Football Development Officer Joel Rarua, David has declared there are big plans for women’s football in Vanuatu.
Last month she organised a small girl’s festival to get girl’s activities underway in and plans to organise another festival on 27 May and a further event in Luganville, Santo on 29 May.
“These types of events are massively important,” David says.
“To have an all-girls festival is just incredible. It gives girls so many opportunities and gives them the confidence to know they are supported.”
David says things are already changing in Vanuatu since the days when she first took up football.
“When I first started playing I had to prove myself against the boys, which had it’s benefits. But there was a part of me that just wanted to play with girls and be with my friends and enjoy football that way.”
David says FIFA and OFC have rolled out a number of programmes around Oceania which connects grassroots participants with those at the top of their game.
“It provides role models and at the same time is bringing through those who will be the future of the game,” she explains.
“Increasing participation for women and girls is a huge priority for VFF. Why? Because it represents a huge opportunity for the future growth of the game, but also because it contributes to the greater social benefits that women’s participation provides not only in sport, but in society too.”
The slogan of the festival’s David and Rarua are organising is: “Ol Gel Tu Oli I Save Ple! – Girl’s Can Play Too!”
For more on Vanuatu football visit www.vanuafoot.vu.

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