Courtesy: givealittle.co.nz

Support Vanuatu Through Futsal

Vanuatu Futsal have a World Cup dream to inspire, unite and bring hope to a recovering nation.

Cyclone Pam in March was one of the worst natural disasters in the history of the small pacific nation Vanuatu with winds of 320kph. 16 people lost their lives, many were injured, homes destroyed and whole crops were wiped out. Many Ni-Vans rely soley on these crops and live off the land to feed their families.

Futsal is the official version of indoor football. Its a professional sport in Spain and Brazil. In the national team of Vanuatu, many live off the land. One is a police officer who gave me a lift home for 30mins through dodgy dirt paths weaving through coconuts one night after training. (The normal road along the beach was washed out by the cyclone).

There is the World Cup in Columbia next year. They still have a dream, and through futsal they can feed a recovering nation the seed of hope, unity and pride. Food is for the stomachs, but futsal feeds the soul. I believe they can be the Cool Runnings of Futsal and unite and inspire a nation with hope for the future.

A few thousand would go a long way in helping them to train to a reasonable level over the next six months. Its something we take for granted elsewhere.

Costs:

Training costs: August to January before World Cup Qualifiers

$20/hr training court hire x 26 weeks x 4 (2x2hrs) = $2080

$15/training transport costs of bus fares x 26 weeks x 2 = $780

$130/pair futsal shoes. x 12 = $1560

$70/ball match balls. x 12 = $840

Note: with the generous support of Lifestyle Sports Tawa, these prices will be discounted. Thanks to Karen and the team.

Any extra: Venue repair at the original venue

"To donate money to support the humble team with a big dream, click here. One minute and your credit card is all you need."

by Matt Fejos

I was lucky enough to visit Vanuatu for my Uncles wedding in May. We visited a local school and gave some school gear, clothes and sports equipment. We played some football and the kids loved it. I was also lucky enough to have a few sessions with the national futsal (indoor football) team of Vanuatu. They are competing in Wellington New Zealand in July with a reduced squad of 10, and have the World Cup Qualifying tournament in early 2016. I got to know the coach well and was taken aback with his humbleness, sacrifice and leadership for his community. I need to try to help how I can, it is as simple as that. I can't just leave and forget.







Posted by Mico Martic --> mico.martic@futsalplanet.com