Months after the conclusion of the inaugural OFC Pro League, one of Vanuatu United FC’s stars has been spending his time helping develop the next generation of footballers in Vanuatu.
Vanuatu United goalkeeper Matt Acton joined Vanuatu's next generation of footballers in Port Moresby at the OFC U-16 Men's Championship 2026 as their Goalkeeping Coach.
Acton, who was a key performer for Vanuatu United in their debut season, said giving back to the country has become one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
Acton believes coaching has given him a different perspective on the game seeing young players develop their craft.
"It means more than football. It's about the people and just trying to create opportunities for Vanuatu footballers and goalkeepers in particular," he said.
"To see especially our young under-16 goalkeepers make slight improvements when you're working with them, it's rewarding not just for myself, but for them."
The Australian hopes the experience of competing on the international stage, alongside guidance from the coaching staff, will help lay the foundations for the players' futures.
"It's just about hopefully providing that level of experience and that level of opportunity," he said.
While the results of the project may not be immediate, Acton believes the work being done now will benefit Vanuatu football for years to come.
"It's really the beginning of a hopefully long journey, but I think for the goalkeepers of Vanuatu it's about making the foundations now, so hopefully in the future the goalkeepers from this tournament can go on to represent our national team when they're senior men."