Michiel van der Werf: From Brabant to Tuvalu Football Director

Michiel van der Werf, from Brabant, has taken on an extraordinary dual role in Tuvalu. He became the national futsal coach this year and is set to become the technical director of the Tuvaluan Football Association in 2026. Tuvalu, a remote island nation in the Pacific with a population of ten thousand, relies on its futsal team as a crucial calling card. The journey there takes roughly three days, revealing a country with unique sporting challenges. Last fall, Van der Werf visited Tuvalu to assess its football landscape for a Dutch foundation. He unexpectedly stepped in as the futsal team's coach after they urgently needed one. "I was already there, so it was an easy decision," he quipped. With no dedicated sports halls, training sessions often happen in unconventional locations. Van der Werf famously organized a selection session on a local airstrip, built during World War II. It proved to be a surprisingly suitable playing surface. Challenges were frequent, including players arriving over two hours late. One memorable session was interrupted when a plane needed to land. "When the alarm sounds, you have fifteen minutes to clear the runway," Van der Werf recounted, highlighting the unique circumstances. Training on grass was rarely an option due to the country's single, poor-quality pitch. This field, shared by football and rugby, is full of holes. "You really have to watch your ankles there," he warned. Van der Werf led the team in the OFC Nations Cup futsal tournament in Fiji. Despite losing every match, the team's performance was considered a success by Tuvaluan standards. "We were never outplayed," he noted with pride. His successful partnership with Tuvalu continues, as he will become the technical director of the Tuvaluan Football Association from January 1, 2026. This full-time role will focus on securing FIFA membership for the nation. Tuvalu has sought FIFA recognition for years, often failing due to incomplete applications. To achieve FIFA membership, Van der Werf plans to establish a youth academy and a women's team. Afterwards, he aims to recruit a well-known Dutch coach for the field football team. This mirrors 2011, when Foppe de Haan coached, and remains popular among locals. TuvaluFootball Futsal MichielVanDerWerf OceaniaFootball SportsDevelopment