The pitch is part of the recently-opened ‘Jardins of Paofai’ complex in Papeete and an official inauguration will take place on February 15, just days before the OFC championship kicks off on February 22.
The new facility is located only a couple of minutes away from the stadium set to host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in May 2013 and its construction has been made possible with the support of the local government, which has contributed $360,000 NZD. That total is in addition to the $2,850,000 NZD already set aside for the infrastructure that will be needed to host the World Cup.
“I would like to thank and commend the President Gaston Tong Song and his entire government for their ongoing and unfailing support of ‘Tahiti 2013’,” Local Organising Committee (LOC) CEO Noëlline Parker says.
“Providing this pitch of international standard is another clear demonstration of their active will to stand by the OFC sides and contribute to the development of beach soccer in the Pacific. It will be a privilege to host this OFC tournament in February, as well as any other beach soccer tournaments in the future as needed.
“I sincerely thank FIFA and OFC for their invaluable contributions, especially to the operational costs allowing the Tahiti 2013 LOC to conform to the timeline neccessary for the success of this FIFA World Cup.”
The OFC Beach Soccer Championship will bring together sides from Tahiti, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu, with the winner going on to represent Oceania at the FIFA World Cup 2011 in Ravenne, Italy from September 1 to 11.
Construction work on the new pitch has been carried out over the last month and a half and, although it is still not yet open to the public, the 37 by 40m white-sanded field is set for a busy future.
In addition to hosting the beach version of football, it will be used for other codes such as beach volleyball and beach rugby, as well as various cultural events. Children and families will also be able to take advantage of the sand surface when events are not being staged.
Federation Tahitienne De Football (FTF) has gladly welcomed the government’s support. FTF acting president Thierry Ariiotima says the new field will become the meeting place for the Tahiti beach soccer squad and for several beach soccer promotional activities from now until 2013.