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Tahitian club AS Tefana travelled to Auckland in May 2024 to provide international travelling experience for their talented youth.
In previous years, Tefana has sent their youth development squads to France for a tour but in 2024 they visited Aotearoa New Zealand – playing two friendly matches while taking in the sights that Auckland has to offer.
The tour is structured around exposing youth players to different football environments and styles of play. The Tefana U-13 side tested themselves against Papakura City FC and one of the strongest clubs in the country, Eastern Suburbs.
“Benchmarking against clubs and players from other countries is crucial for youth football players for several reasons. It enhances skill and technique development through exposure to different playing styles and high-level competition. It builds confidence and fosters resilience and adaptability, while promoting cultural exchange and team bonding,” OFC Player Development Officer Phill Parker explained.
After a 5-0 victory against Papakura, AS Tefana found it far more difficult against Eastern Suburbs, going down 5-0 in cold and wet conditions at Ngahue Reserve. Despite the defeat, it was a valuable learning exercise for all involved, and a good performance benchmark against a successful international club.
While the focus is football, it provides scouting and career opportunities, offering visibility to scouts for potential scholarships or contracts. Parker says to share experience and knowledge is an important step for AS Tefana to grow and get better.
“International benchmarking is vital for the holistic development of youth soccer players, enhancing their technical, mental and social skills while providing invaluable global exposure,” said Parker.
On the field and off the field, all objectives of the tour were met and exceeded expectations. Players, staff and club were exposed to diverse playing styles against high-level opposition while gaining a cultural understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand.
International tours offer multifaceted benefits, including improved skills, cultural enrichment and enhanced career opportunities. Parker believes other countries should consider such tours, to “foster holistic development and global integration of their youth football players.”
