Referee Kamali Fitialeata made sure New Caledonia had some sort of involvement in the event by officiating in the matches, which took place between hosts Tahiti, defending champions Solomon Islands and title hopefuls Fiji.
Tahiti gave the home fans plenty to cheer about by pulling off a shock 4-3 win over the Solomons in the final to qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, which will be held in Italy during September.
Fitialeata was delighted to take part in the action as he has a deep passion for all types of football but a particular affection for the small-sided versions of the world’s most popular game.
The 40-year-old, who works as a sports educator in the South Province of New Caledonia, is very active in bringing beach soccer to the fore in his home country and got into the sport after first becoming involved with futsal.
“Futsal has been really present in the island since 2005 and I was sure New Caledonia had the potential to develop in this discipline,” he says.
“But we didn’t have referees to organise games so that is why I started to referee.
“Later, futsal became affiliated to the federation and the interest started to grow quickly. I believe beach soccer can now have the same popularity and interest as futsal.”
Fitialeata feels the potential of beach soccer in New Caledonia is massive.
“It already has much interest with a lot of people playing on the beach,” he says. “I think if the standard of the players can be added to the increased interest, then beach soccer is able to have a successful future here.”
The football fanatic is pleased that new beach soccer pitches will be developed in Païta because the facility will help to provide a better infrastructure.
He had an enjoyable experience at the OFC championship and says similar events need to be organised to promote the game.
“It was a great event,” he says.
“There were 1500 spectators at the stadium every day to watch the games. I think it was a real success and a good preparation for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.”
The World Cup will be held in Tahiti in 2013 and hopes are high in New Caledonia that a team will be sent to the OFC qualifiers in 2012. FIFA courses have recently been completed by coaches from the country, such as Thierry Sardo and Eric Michalak, who now have the FIFA beach soccer level 1 and 2 courses under their belts.
For more on New Caledonia football go to www.fedcalfoot.com