Port-Vila, Vanuatu – Monday 19 May 2025: As the world marked the World Fair Play Day on Monday 19 May, the National University of Vanuatu (NUV) proudly highlights the achievements and spirit of its Futsal team, whose dedication and success are a powerful symbol of unity, perseverance, tolerance, inclusion and excellence.
Founded in 2019 through the connection of former and current students from NUV and the University of New Caledonia, the NUV Futsal team has grown into a competitive and respected squad of 20 passionate players, led by their captain, René Bahormal.
Their journey began with raw talent and strong determination. In 2019, they started playing in the Port-Vila Futsal League’s First Division. After winning the Port-Vila Futsal League’s First Division, they entered the Premier Division in Port Vila in 2020. Demonstrating consistent excellence, they secured second place in the Premier League Championship in both 2021 and 2022. In 2023, they made their international debut, proudly representing NUV against Quartier Nord Futsal Club of New Caledonia, one of the best futsal clubs in New Caledonia. The team not only attracted the attention of the New Caledonia futsal clu but they won the friendly game. Their winning streak continued in 2024, claiming the Champion of Vanuatu rank and going on to achieve an impressive third place in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Club Championship. They are the first team to make it this far in the competition.
The team trains rigorously Monday to Friday at Korman Stadium and competes every Saturday at Wan Smol Bag sports complex. Their strength lies not only in their skills but also in their unity, discipline, and deep friendship.
“Our team is more than a group of players — we are a family,” says team captain René Bahormal. “We are motivated, passionate, and committed to achieving the best results. It’s our friendship and love for the game that keep us strong.”
The NUV Futsal team embodies the true spirit of sport as a powerful tool for development and personal growth. Through their journey, players have honed essential life skills including leadership, communication, respect, resilience, and teamwork – qualities that extend far beyond the field and into academic and professional life.
NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Jean-Pierre Nirua, commended the team’s efforts, “The Futsal NUV team is supported wholeheartedly by everyone at the university. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and the way they carry the values of NUV wherever they go. They are true ambassadors of our university, both at home and abroad.”
NUV reaffirms its belief in the transformative power of sport. The Futsal NUV team stands as a testament to how sport can build bridges, inspire youth, and develop not only great athletes but great leaders.
