The U-17 international pair were feted by Vanuatu Football Federation President Lambert Maltock who revealed the news at a press conference at VFF house in Port Vila witnessed by VFF coaches and the player’s families.
“Today is a great day for Vanuatu football because OFC has chosen our two top young players to study at St. Peters College in New Zealand for a period of two years.
“We started our academy program in 2009 and we have worked really hard to send our young footballers overseas but we have only managed to send two other players for a trial.
“Brian Kaltack went to New Zealand and Selonie Iaruel to England with Stoke City but they are both back in Vanuatu playing for their respective clubs, Erakor Golden Star and Tafea FC.
“But today I want to announce that Joseph Iaruel and Sylvain Worworbu will go to St. Peters College to study and develop themselves as footballers.
“On behalf of Vanuatu Football executive, coaches and our football community, I would like to thank the OFC technical department for their hard work and also thank our biggest sponsor and partner, Telecom Vanuatu Limited (TVL) for their continuous financial support of the program since 2009,” Maltock says.
Etienne Mermer, who was the coach of the two players at the OFC U-17 Championship held in Samoa and American Samoa last January, encouraged both players to continue to work hard but always put their education first and football second.
“I hope the boys remember what they have learned here at home over the past year.
“They are very lucky to get the scholarship in New Zealand and we are very proud of what they and the rest of our players have done for Vanuatu football during the OFC U-17 tournament in American Samoa.
“They should study hard and enjoy playing and learning a new style of football in New Zealand,” Mermer says.
St Peter’s College headmaster Kieran Fouhy is also looking forward to welcoming Iaruel and Worworbu to their school next week.
“Congratulations to both Joseph and Sylvain on being chosen for the scholarship at St Peter’s College in Auckland, New Zealand.
“Our college is looking forward to hosting both of these young men and participating in their academic and sporting successes.
“We know that Joseph and Sylvain will represent Vanuatu Football Federation to the highest of their abilities,” Fouhy says.
For more on Vanuatu football visit www.vanuafoot.vu.

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