The former New Caledonia national team coach has accepted a role with US Soccer where he will be based out of Chicago.
While reluctant to leave behind the friends and colleagues he has amassed during his time in the Pacific, Chambaron says he’s ready to take himself outside of his comfort zone.
“I have spent many years here in Oceania working with some really great people,” he says.
“I’m very sad to be leaving, but at the same time I am truly excited to take what I have learned during my time here and apply it in a new environment.
“And I go knowing I have made some life-long friends in this region.”
Originally from France, Chambaron moved to New Caledonia in 2006 and took an immediate liking to the region, which has a passionate football following in many of its countries.
His extensive knowledge of football is renowned across the Oceania region and Chambaron’s presence on football fields from Tahiti to Papua New Guinea and Tonga to American Samoa will be hugely missed.
“I have truly enjoyed working with everyone I have met while working with OFC,” Chambaron says.
“I would like to thank all of the Presidents, technical directors, football educators and coaches from each of the 11 OFC
Member Associations, not only for welcoming me into your countries but for allowing me to share my passion for football with you all.”
OFC Technical Director Patrick Jacquemet says Chambaron will be a huge asset to US Soccer and a loss for Oceania.
“Didier has made an incredible contribution to raising the professionalism and level of football across Oceania,” he says.
“We have been very fortunate that he chose to settle here, and I would like to sincerely thank him for everything he has done.”
Chambaron’s final day was 30 April 2016 and he begins his new role at the end of May.