As of last week Vanuatu can boast its own unique story of the game thriving in unconventional circumstances.
Last Saturday the Tafea Football Association launched the Volcano Beach Soccer Competition, played under the active Mount Yasur on the island of Tanna.
Tafea FA treasurer Andrew Markia says the competition was the first of its kind in Vanuatu, and believes it is a concept which has the potential to become very popular.
“I must say that the tournament was an eye opener for many, given the incredible landscape it was played in,” Markia says.
“We had four teams take part and everyone enjoyed being part of the historic day.
“Last year during the Vanuatu Football Federation congress the Tafea FA revealed that as part of our plan for 2015 we wanted to introduce beach soccer here.
“Because of the success of the tournament plans are already underway to organise another one, and we are confident we will have more teams competing.”
Markia also believes beach soccer has a role to play in gaining exposure for football in Vanuatu, and helping to promote Tanna as a destination.
“Mount Yasur is a national monument in Vanuatu and is well known all around the world,” he says.
“As a result the Tafea FA will be working closely with our tourist businesses on the island to find ways to promote beach soccer as an activity and Tanna as a tourist attraction.”
For more on Vanuatu football visit www.vanuafoot.vu.

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