Vanuatu’s Under-15 national football team has returned home after making its first appearance at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, with team officials saying more work is needed to strengthen football development in the country.
The young team competed in 10 matches and recorded two wins, finishing 168th overall among the 189 participating countries. Vanuatu competed in Pool Y and finished sixth in its group.
Despite the results falling short of the team’s expectations, the tournament gave the young players an opportunity to gain international experience and measure themselves against teams from other countries.
Grassroots Football Identified as Key Area for Improvement
Speaking to VBTC Sports, Head of Delegation Jacques Tronquet said the players performed well during the competition, but Vanuatu still needed to strengthen basic football skills among young players.
“Honestly, the boys do not yet have the basic football skills. In the years ahead, we need to start teaching basic football from the age of five, not eight.”
He said the Vanuatu Football Federation plans to introduce a legacy programme over the next three years, with the aim of improving grassroots football.
“We have already seen some improvement in basic football, but this is still an area where we are lacking and remain weak. This is the way forward, and I believe Vanuatu will improve significantly in the coming years.”
International Experience for Young Players
Tronquet said Vanuatu’s participation in the FIFA U-15 World Cup was an important step in the development of young footballers and should motivate further work to improve the game nationally.
The experience also provided an opportunity for players, coaches and football authorities to identify areas that need attention and development.
Spain won the inaugural edition of the FIFA U-15 World Cup after a strong campaign in the tournament.
For Vanuatu, the team’s first appearance at the global competition marks an important experience for its young players and a chance to build on lessons gained in Baku.
Photo credit: VFF
