NZ's Christchurch United partners with Vanuatu Football Federation in a move that could enhance the chances of both to be admitted to the OFC Pro League
The formal partnership has been established on the back of discussions with VFF officials, national captain Brian Kaltak, and former national coach, Juliano Schmeling.
Those talks began after the earthquake in Port Vila six months ago, when the New Zealand club stepped in and offered to assist in getting football in the capital back on its feet.
The hope is the new partnership will boost the bids by both the VFF and Christchurch to secure a place in the OFC Pro League when it kicks off next year, but United's General Manager, Ryan Edwards says the immediate focus is on player and coach development.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
a day ago
- ABC News
Mele Hufanga: Unstoppable in League and Life
This week on Radio Australia, we're turning up the volume on Pacific voices. From music and sport to politics and the arts, we're bringing you the stories that matter. On Stories From the Pacific, host Wendy Mocki speaks with Elvina Poki Ogil about what it means to grow up in two worlds. Over on Nesian Footy, hosts Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona catch up with Mele Hufanga captain of Tonga in rugby union, New Zealand in rugby league, and a proud product of her upbringing. And on Nesia Daily, hosts Michael Chow and Jacob McQuire sit down with influential Samoan Chief Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale for a conversation about his childhood, hosting the King of England at his resort during a royal visit and teaching ukulele to kids in the village. Relax into your Sunday morning with two hours of the best stories from across the Pacific. Host, Kuntamari Crofts will take you on a Pacific Sundays journey, bringing you stories that will inspire, entertain and inform you.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- News.com.au
‘I want to be a part of that journey': Ryan Hinchcliffe locked in as assistant coach in huge coup for Samoa ahead of World Cup
They were rivals in last year's grand final, but Ryan Hinchcliffe will join Ben Gardiner's coaching staff as Samoa continues to strengthen its program ahead of next year's Rugby League World Cup. It's the latest step in Hinchcliffe's development that started in 2019 when the workhorse returned to the Storm after a stint in the Super League to become the club's development coach. He's risen up the ranks and is now an assistant coach at the Storm, with his defensive expertise to be a huge asset for Gardiner at this year's Pacific Championships. The pair have never properly met, but approaches were made earlier this year when the Storm played the Dolphins, with general manager of football Frank Ponissi helping to broker the deal once he realised Hinchcliffe was interested. 'I spoke to Ben a couple of times and thought it was a good opportunity for me personally and professionally to develop as a coach and to work with some elite players and see where it ends up,' Hinchcliffe told the NewsWire. Hinchcliffe spent seven seasons in Melbourne as a player and quickly became one of Craig Bellamy's favourites given his willingness to work hard and do anything for the team. Coaching wasn't always on his radar, but his growth at the club sparked a passion for it that now means he will work on the international stage and will likely be in the mix eventually for a head coaching role in the NRL. 'I was always interested in the tactical side of it and the game planning side of it but also the mental side of footy,' Hinchcliffe explained. 'I certainly wasn't the best player, but when I came to Melbourne, the coaching that I got from the Storm and Craig and all the assistants did a lot for me. 'As I got a bit older, I thought it would be amazing to help other kids grow and develop and chase their dreams. I want to be a part of that journey. 'I think the experience I had set me up for that.' Hinchcliffe will predominantly work with Samoa's middle forwards and will focus on their defence, which struggled against England last year and in the 2023 internationals against Australia and New Zealand. His transition onto the international stage has been made easier with Samoan stars Stefano Utoikamanu, Shawn Blore and Sua Fa'alogo all playing for the Storm and encouraging him throughout the process to take the job. He'll also get to work with one of the strongest forward packs ever assembled, with Samoa hoping to add representative superstars Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to the pack this year. 'You go through the players in their squad, and it shapes as an unbelievable competition at the end of the year with the Pacific Championships,' Hinchcliffe said. 'I'm really excited to work with some of the most elite players in the game. 'I'm sure they'll teach me a lot more than what I can teach them, but that's part of the journey and that's what I'm really excited about.' The move is another sign of Samoa's commitment to become one of the best teams in the world, with Gardiner and Hinchcliffe both products of highly successful NRL systems who know how to win big games. 'Ryan brings a wealth of experience from both his playing days and his coaching career,' Gardiner said. 'His commitment, knowledge and passion for rugby league make him a perfect fit for what we're building with Toa Samoa.'
ABC News
13-07-2025
- ABC News
A Song For My Father
A Song For My Father Watch Duration: 27 minutes 12 seconds 27 m Article share options Share this on Facebook Twitter Send this by Email Copy link WhatsApp Messenger When his father passes away, Chris kamu'ana Rohoimae is left with more than just memories, he's left with a song. Written in the days before his father's death, this deeply personal track leads Chris to win Pacific Break 2024
