The 12-round competition is open to all, with the conditions of payment of the inscription fee and a maximum of ten players per team, and is being promoted as a fun way to discover one of the Oceania region’s up-and-coming disciplines.
However, the Beach Soccer Tour is also a chance to identify talent to take part in the upcoming OFC Beach Soccer Championship, with the event’s winner earning the chance to join hosts Tahiti at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in September.
“This tournament will allow the coach and technical department to see everyone play, and identify the best players,” says FCF technical advisor and beach soccer assistant coach Kamali Fitialeata.
“At each stage, a table will be created and the best teams will come up against each other on the twelfth and final day for the finals. This allows everyone to come and participate, but the idea is that they will all be of a relatively high level.”
Following the tournament, which will conclude at the end of June, the best players will continue training throughout July. The best 12 players will travel to Tahiti for the OFC Beach Soccer Championship, scheduled for 5-7 August 2013, with the aim of qualifying for Tahiti 2013.
New Caledonia beach soccer head coach Felix Tagawa says there are no guarantees that previous national beach soccer representatives will automatically return to the side.
“The counters will be reset at zero,” Tagawa says. “I am in contact with a number of players, certainly, but we really are waiting to see them play before judging their actual level.”
With the tournament offering the chance to register for the entire event, or just for one day to get a taste of the game, there is the opportunity for absolutely anyone to be considered for the national squad.
“This tournament really is open to everyone. Beach soccer is another type of football, very specific, which requires speed, a lot of acrobatics and the need to hold the rhythm of the game.”
For more on New Caledonia football go to www.fedcalfoot.com
Beach Soccer takes centre stage
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