Almost 70 young girls from across New Caledonia were treated to a week entrenched in all things football as the Total Sport Girl Challenge took place in Bourail this week.
The annual event is organised by the Comité Territorial Olympique et Sportif (CTOS), the local Olympic and Sports committee, bringing football together with basketball, handball, rugby and beach volleyball.
All three of the New Caledonia’s provinces, Northern, Southern and Islands, take part in the event, with Fédération Calédonienne de Football Technical Director, Dominique Wacalie, delighted at the event and its organisation.
“Since Monday, we’ve been here in Bourail where the programme includes tests on athletics, agility and fitness in the morning and also matches,” Wacalie said.
“Another objective of our presence here is to some scouting of young girls aged between 14 to 15 years old, so the games are a chance to watch them.
“Then at night there are different sessions on food, on lifestyle, and improving performance to help these young girls become aware of how to do things right for living a good life.”
In addition, the group were treated to a session with FIFA Assistant Referee, Bertrand Brial.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have sessions with a FIFA referee, we have a few girls who want to referee so this has been a good chance to raise awareness for this role, but also for the Laws of the Game,” Wacalie said.
“We’re thankful to the CTOS for this event because it’s provided a framework for us to share the passion for football, and allow these young girls to flourish.”