Tuvalu international Jason Alama is hoping to turn his two-week training opportunity with Dutch club VVV-Venlo into a professional contract, as the 23-year-old defender looks to take the next step in his football career after several seasons in New Zealand.
Alama was scheduled to arrive in the Netherlands on October 29 to begin his spell with the club’s U23 setup. Speaking exclusively to Oceania Football Center ahead of the experience, the Western Springs defender explained that his opportunity came through connections established by Michiel van der Werf, General Secretary and Technical Director of the Tuvalu Islands Football Association.
According to Alama, Van der Werf helped arrange the opportunity after sharing footage of his performances with contacts at the Dutch club, who subsequently invited him to spend two weeks training in Venlo.
Although the visit was initially presented as a development internship, Alama made clear that his personal ambitions extend beyond gaining experience in European football.
“The plan is to get a contract, so I have to do my best and hopefully get a contract,” he told OFCe.
The opportunity follows a productive season with Western Springs AFC in New Zealand’s Northern League. Having joined the Auckland club from West Coast Rangers earlier this year, Alama helped his new team secure qualification for the 2027 National League, an achievement he considers an important step despite the team not accomplishing everything it had hoped for during the campaign.
His development in New Zealand has provided the foundation for his opportunity in Europe. Alama came through the Waitakere football environment before establishing himself in senior competitions, representing West Coast Rangers for several seasons and subsequently moving to Western Springs.
VVV-Venlo, who currently compete in the Dutch second division, have a history of developing players and previously competed in the Eredivisie. For Alama, entering that environment represents a significant challenge, particularly after spending his senior career in New Zealand football.
“High expectations. It’s a pro club, so I will treat it like it’s my last chance at the club,” Alama said when asked about his approach to the training period.
Beyond his club ambitions, the defender remains committed to representing Tuvalu internationally. Alama has three senior appearances for the Pacific nation, having featured at the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands, and has also represented his country in futsal.
Tuvalu remains an associate member of the Oceania Football Confederation and is not yet affiliated with FIFA, a situation that continues to limit the country’s participation in international football competitions. However, Alama believes efforts are being made to improve the country’s football structures and pursue greater international recognition.
He expressed optimism about the changes taking place and the determination of people involved in Tuvalu football to move the country towards FIFA membership.
Even if his career progresses into European professional football, Alama intends to remain available for his national team and hopes his experiences can encourage other players from Tuvalu to pursue opportunities abroad.
“Yes, I will still be playing for Tuvalu. Also try to motivate the next generation to do better for Tuvalu national team in the future,” he told OFCe.
His two-week stay in Venlo now offers an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in a professional environment. While no contract offer has been confirmed, Alama hopes to use the experience to establish himself at a higher level of club football while continuing to represent his country.
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