Left to Right
Tim Cutler (CEO), Chris Laffan (HP Manager), Mark Stafford (VCA President)
Vanuatu Cricket Association (VCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Laffan as the new High-Performance Manager and National Head Coach. With a broad skill base across cricket coaching and education gained over the last decade Chris brings a unique perspective to the role.
In his role as High Performance Manager and National Head Coach, Laffan, 32 from Australia, will be responsible for the development of Vanuatu’s cricket program, with a focus on individual player development and performance pathways. He will also work closely with VCA staff and stakeholders to ensure the growth and sustainability of domestic cricket in Vanuatu.
Commenting on his appointment, Laffan said:
"After catching a glimpse of the Men’s and Women’s sides during the recent Australian Indigenous Tour, I’m very excited to be able to have the opportunity to work with such welcoming and talented squads, in particular as the Men’s team turns their eye towards the EAP Regional Final in July. The opportunity to further evolve the current player pathway program is an exciting prospect, as is capitalising on cricket being the highest ranked team sport and further driving participation levels from a grass roots level. It’s an honour to accept the position and I’m hopeful I can provide an opportunity to embed long term growth in Vanuatu cricket."
VCA CEO Tim Cutler said:
"We are delighted to welcome Chris to the Vanuatu Cricket family. This is an exciting time for cricket in Vanuatu – the country’s highest ranked team sport – and after a long process unfortunately interrupted by Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin, we are overjoyed to finally secure our preferred candidate. Chris was very impressive throughout the process with his understanding of the unique challenges that come with growing the sport in an emerging nation like ours, and his experience coaching and teaching individuals from different backgrounds and cultures will be an asset here.
“Moreover, we look forward to welcoming Chris, partner Maddie and their baby daughter Laiken as they make Port Vila their home, hopefully for the long-term,” Cutler concluded.
The announcement of Laffan's appointment comes as the Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu National Men’s Cricket Team prepares to compete in the East Asia Pacific Regional Final, which will be held in Papua New Guinea in July. The Vanuatu team will compete against the hosts, Philippines, and Japan for a spot in the 20-team ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2024. With Laffan's appointment, and the experience gained in observing the team from the side lines during the recent Australian Indigenous National Teams’ tour, the Vanuatu team is well-positioned to make a strong showing at the Regional Final.
The VCA and the cricketing community in Vanuatu wish Chris all the best in his new role and are excited to see the progress and success that he will bring to the Vanuatu cricket program.
Laffan will commence in the role as soon as the necessary visa approvals are completed, allowing him and his family to relocate from Melbourne.
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