Football in Nauru, one of the few countries in the world to not only not be a member of FIFA, but to have never played a football match is set to receive a boost, with the formation of the Nauru Soccer Federation. And not only that, but two Cambodian residents, namely Gareth Johnson and Charlie Pomroy are part of the exciting project.
The news was announced via a press release from Young Pioneer Tours, as well as via other media channels.
Football in Nauru
Football in Nauru, or rather soccer as it is locally known is far from the national sport of Nauru, with that honor going to Australian Rules Football, the only country in the world to have it as a national sport.
After this comes Rugby Union and after that little else, with Nauru also being the most obese nation on earth. So far the country have to play a single match, nor join the Oceania Football Confederation, although it is hoped this might well change with the new organization.
The Nauru Soccer Federation and Cambodia
Tasked with popularizing the sport in the country is Nauru Soccer Federation (NSF) president Kay Kain, who has now been joined on the board by Gareth Johnson, and Charlie Pomroy, both UK residents based in Cambodia.
Gareth is the founder of adventure travel company Young Pioneer Tours, who regularly visit Nauru, while Charlie is coach of Cambodian Second Division side Angkor City FC.
As part of the new board of directors Gareth will be in charge of promoting the sport, while Charlie has been named titular head coach of a team that as of yet has no players.
According to Gareth though they have big plans “We want to play at least one match this year, and I do not plan on failing at this task. We also want to do a training camp later in the year which will be run by Charlie and we are also talking to an ex Premier League player about being national manager”.
Currently no timeframe has been set up, although Johnson stated they were hoping to have shirts available “soon”, which should prove extremely popular with global collectors.
Author: Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.
