Vanuatu’s youth football is becoming a key pathway for developing the nation’s future football stars, according to FIFA Talent Development Scheme coach, Alvaro Lopez from Spain.

National Under-16 Academy, Coach Lopez highlighted that his current focus is on three main pillars of the development program, which are being implemented in partnership with the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF).

“One of the main goals is to identify the best young talent in the country and integrate them into our football program. We have been training selected players for the past four months at Teouma, and they are now part of the Under-16 squad. Training is held every day to ensure these players reach their full potential,” Coach Lopez said.

The program also involves scouting young talent across the islands. “This year, we visited some islands, and next year we plan to visit others to give more young players a chance to join the program,” he added.

Coach Lopez emphasized that youth development is at the heart of his work. “We aim to build a national academy to get the best out of the best players and to secure a strong football future for Vanuatu,” he said.

The Vanuatu Football Federation is supporting the initiative as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the country’s football standards through structured youth programs and talent development.