The Wellington Phoenix Football Academy is currently playing host to the AS Tefana Academy, a visit which transpired thanks to the strong partnership the WPFA has with the Oceania Football Confederation through the Asia Pacific Football Academy.
WPFA head coach Jess Ibrom says the visitors have been participating in training sessions he has delivered as well as Performance Analysis sessions with WPFA staff since their arrival last week.
“They have scheduled two games against the Wellington Phoenix Football Academy as well as Scots College,” Ibrom says of his guests.
Lodged at Scots College, the young Franco-phones have been completely immersed in the school, taking part in English classes and participating in cultural excursions around the city of Wellington.
The first game between the visitors and the WPFA players was held on Monday and Ibrom says a challenging encounter for his players.
“It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved. It was the most competitive fixture the Phoenix Academy had played to date with both players and staff a credit to their respective clubs,” he says.
“The highlight was probably the ‘haka’ performed before the game by the Tefana players.”
AS Tefana will take on the Scots College First IX on Wednesday, 14 May before a final match against the Phoenix Academy takes place on Friday, 16 May.
Ibrom says it will once again be a closely contested encounter.
“Everyone is already anticipating the fixture on Friday.”
Club officials from both sides have met and discussions are ongoing about the possibility of fostering a relationship of exchange in the future which would benefit both parties.
“The Phoenix Academy would certainly love the opportunity to visit Tahiti in the future,” Ibrom delights.
More information about the AS Tefana Academy visit, including goal highlights of the first match, is available on the Wellington Phoenix Football Academy Facebook page here .

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