AFL Vanuatu is celebrating four years of participation in the AFL Under-16 Talent Camp, with five young players selected to attend this year’s training program on the Gold Coast, Australia.

The players received official invitations from the Australian Football League (AFL) to take part in the annual talent development camp, which brings together top Under-16 male and female players from across the Pacific region.

The five players were scouted through local AFL clubs in Port Vila. This year marks the fourth time Vanuatu has participated in the elite training camp since joining the program in 2023.

Last Friday, the Australian High Commission in Vanuatu hosted a farewell ceremony for the five players and three coaches who will lead the team to Australia.

AFL Vanuatu President David Beauchamp acknowledged the continued support from the Australian Government and its partners.

“AFL is still growing here in Vanuatu. A lot of work has been done by our committee and staff, but it wouldn’t be possible without the support from the Australian Government, especially the Australian High Commission and the PacificAus Sports program through DFAT. Their support for our academic programs and long-term management has been fantastic,” he said.

As part of the appreciation ceremony, the Australian High Commission presented the players and coaches with carry bags and accessories for use during their stay in Australia.

Counsellor Laura Frech Cardenas expressed her satisfaction with the growing sports partnership between Vanuatu and Australia.

She said the partnership, which has been active for over two years, continues to provide opportunities for young men and women through the AFL Vanuatu Talent Academy. The program helps identify developing players, coaches, and umpires and provides access to high-performance training in the Pacific and Australia, including potential placement opportunities with major Australian clubs.

The selected Under-16 girls are Paskalin Taitsegon from Epau, Truthy Taripoa from Mele, and Gabriella Malas from Mele. The boys selected are Jim Virebo from Central Pentecost and Oliver Songie from Seaside Tongoa.

In 2026, the Under-16 Girls Trial Camp is scheduled from 18 to 23 February, while the Under-16 Boys Camp will take place from 11 to 16 March.

Participants from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Nauru, Tonga, and Vanuatu will receive high-level training and development opportunities. During the camp, they will also train alongside academy teams from the Gold Coast Suns and the Brisbane Lions.