Federation Caledonienne de Football technical development officer Mathieu Delcroix says since the first festival was held on 2 July, 295 girls have taken part in the programme.
Delcroix says one of the important aspects of the festivals was to introduce young girls from all over the country to football.
With this directive in mind he has visited each of the nation’s three regions – North, South and Loyalty Islands – bringing small sided games, beach soccer and futsal as well as an emphasis on fun.
The earlier months saw smaller numbers attending as the festivals coincided with various other activities and school holidays, while the two most recent festivals recorded impressive numbers.
On 20 September the “Challenge Phylo” was help at the Kouaoua Municipal Stadium in conjunction with the North Committee of Football.
Delcroix says he was incredibly impressed to see 87 girls, aged eight to 16, taking part.
“Six clubs from the North Committee of Football took part in the activities which included 7v7 for the 12-14 and 15-16 year olds and 5v5 for the 8-10 year olds,” he says.
“The Mayor of Kouaoua was in attendance and the opening of the tournament was an opportunity for us to pay tribute to former international Floriane Diainon.”
Diainon, originally from Kouaoua, passed away in 2011. As well as turning out for her country at the OFC U-20 Championship in Apia, and the 2007 Pacific Games. She was a member of the FCF Conseil Federale and President of the Commission Feminine Federale and a strong supporter of the developing women’s game.
The final festival was held at the FCF Technical Centre in Paita on 17 September with Delcroix joined by his FCF colleagues Patrick Hnaissilin and Kamaliele Fitialeata.
Here 86 girls gathered from schools in the local Dumbea region to give football, futsal and beach soccer a go.
With plenty of fun and laughter had by all, the group has already signed up to take part in the festival next year.
The five women’s festivals were held on 2 July, 2 and 6 August, 17 and 20 September.
For more on New Caledonia football visit www.fedcalfoot.com.

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