Football, education and cultural awareness were among the key objectives for a Tahitian U-15 men’s academy team that recently toured New Zealand.
The group of 16 from Papeete’s College De Taaone played three matches last week and enjoyed trips to Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and the Auckland Museum during their 10-day stay at the Oceania Football Confederation Academy.
General Coordinator Christian Hestin says the boys are taking part in a two-year programme where they live together at the school and receive expert coaching every day.
“The academy is supported by the Federation Tahitienne De Football (FTF), the Tahitian Government and the College De Taaone,” says Hestin, who is also a teacher at the school of around 1000 students.
“They were selected not only for their football abilities but also their attitude and mentality towards education.”
FTF Technical Director Eddy Etaeta, who also travelled to New Zealand, works closely with the young players and aims to prepare them for future 
Tahitian national teams. He says trips overseas are crucial in terms of their development.
“The level in New Zealand is good and teams here always play to win,” he says.
“Our players have learnt a lot from this tour and it will certainly help them in the future.”
The academy side played three games during their visit; one against a Waikato/Bay of Plenty selection and two against Auckland-based teams.
But football was not the only focus for the group. Hestin says the students were able to practice their English and learn about New Zealand history and culture.
“We went to the museum and the boys found that very interesting. They also loved the Auckland Zoo because there is no zoo in Tahiti.”
Hestin and Etaeta both expressed their appreciation towards Oceania Football Confederation for hosting the group at the OFC headquarters in Auckland which includes an academy and training field.
