Vanuatu United motivates Mbua Valley students during community visit
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Students of Mbua Valley School received a special visit from players of Vanuatu United FC yesterday as part of the club’s community engagement activities ahead of Round 4 of the OFC Pro League in Honiara.
The two-hour engagement saw players interacting with students, delivering motivational messages about football as a professional pathway, and encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through hard work and discipline.
Speaking during the visit, a Vanuatu United FC right winger Otto Ingham said it was a privilege for the team to connect with the students who share the same passion for the sport.
“It’s obviously a privilege to come to the school here today and meet all the kids who are very passionate about football.
“So, it’s nice that we share the same passion for football and hopefully with the platform of OFC they can strive to play professionally as well. Hopefully we can inspire them to do that,” Ingham said.
Ingham also encouraged students to remain determined in their pursuit of their ambitions.
“You always have to work hard, but also believe in yourself. The journey isn’t always nice and easy and straightforward. There will always be challenges, but no matter what the challenge is you have to battle through it and keep believing in yourself,” he said.
During the visit, the team also announced that free tournament tickets would be distributed to students through the school’s head teacher.
Mbua Valley School sports master, Mr Bonnie Resture Jnr Pugeva, welcomed the visit and said it had a positive impact on students.
“The visitation from the Vanuatu team that came to Mbua Valley School has a big impact not only on education but also in boosting sports in the school,” Pugeva said.
“Our children really love sport, especially soccer which they are already interested in. The visit will definitely boost their morale and inspire them to continue with their sporting journey.”
He added that the engagement also helps strengthen relationships between the team and the school community.
“In fact, they came here to make a good relationship with the students so that the team can be confident and understand that outside they have supporters from this school,” he said.
Pugeva said such visits play an important role in shaping young athletes.
“The visit of the Vanuatu team today gives a big impact on the interest of the kids. It encourages them and gives them a good mindset in sports so that they can become good athletes in the future,” he added.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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