Thanks to a financial contribution from power company Unelco Vanuatu of NZ$25,000 and aid from the New Zealand Government to the tune of NZ$10,000, the club has been able to install eight new lights.
“This is the first time we have had floodlights and it will mean our players are able to put in extra trainings after work so they can be ready for all their upcoming competitions, especially the TVL Premier League and the O-League,” clube president Jean Yves Chabod says.
“Under the lights, there is extra energy and passion from all the young footballers who want to join the club and play. We also want to see the players staying healthy and getting stronger as a team so they can compete at the highest level.”
While Chabod expects to see a positive difference to the players on the field, he believes the lights will have a social impact on the community as well.
“We are not just talking about football but also about helping the lives of young people in Vanuatu,” he says.
“We’ve lost a few footballers because there hasn’t been a good time for training, but I am sure if a young football player sees that Amicale has lights and a great field, they will think the club cares a little more about them.”
New Zealand High Commissioner Bill Dobbie says that, as sport is such a big part of New Zealand culture, the government is proud to play a role in the development of football in Vanuatu.
“We know Amicale will represent Vanuatu again, for the third time, in the O-League and we wish them all the best of luck,” he says.
Dobbie helped unveil the new lights by taking part in the official opening ceremony before kicking a ball in the centre circle of the pitch to start a friendly inter-club match, the first ever game to take place on the ground under lights.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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