NOUMEA – Women’s youth football will take centre stage at Paita as Federation Caledonienne de Football’s (FCF) FIFA Goal Project is put through it’s paces by age group teams from across New Caledonia.
The FIFA Goal Project at Paita was opened in a blaze of celebrity as FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President Reynald Temarii joined Federation Caledonienne de Football (FCF) President Claude Fournier in May as part of the Karembeu Jubilee celebrations.
FIFA and OFC Ambassador Christian Karembeu said the facility represented a major boost to football across the island territory.
"When I grew up in Lifou we did not have such facilities to play and train on. All we had was a bumpy ground and the most basic resources.
Paita will be great for developing young talent and gives New Caledonia hope of a bright future."
Karembeu’s compatriot Antoine Kombaure – coach of Valenciennes and another New Caledonian-born professional football star – echoed his sentiments.
"This facility is a great initiative and I am certain a new generation of stars will be found here to take football forward."
FCF will host a one day football promotion at the facility on Saturday August 23 – as a precursor to hosting all domestic women’s football competitions at the centre this season.
Two 7-a-side age group tournaments will be organised, one for the U-13 age group, the other for U-16’s.
A spokesperson for FCF said that registration for the 7-a-side tournament would be open until 09H00 on Saturday morning and encouraged youngsters to form their own teams and assemble at Paita where their team would be registered free of charge.
For more information contact Lucie Moyatea +687 84 54 58 or Eric Altmeyer +687 96 35 90.
FIFA GOAL PROJECT PAITA NEW CALEDONIA PHOTO GALLERY
www.oceaniafootball.com relives some of the magical moments of the FIFA Goal Project inauguration at Paita, New Caledonia, May 31, 2008.
HISTORY MADE: The plaque at Paita heralds a new era for football in New Caledonia
FOR THE GAME. FOR THE WORLD: FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and FCF President Claude Fournier address the media after the cutting of the ribbon
A BRIGHT NEW DAWN: Christian Karembeu, Claude Fournier and FIFA President Joesph S. Blatter watch the festivities as the people of Paita extend a warm welcome.
OLD SCHOOL: New Caledonian-born former Paris Saint Germain, Nantes, Aberdeen and Sion FC star Antoine Kombouare shows children from the OFC Youth Festival hows its done
KIDS FOR KAREMBEU: Christian Karembeu is swamped on the 18 yard box at Paita as children seek autographs from the one time FIFA World Cup™ winner.