Goal Programme - Fédération Tahitienne de Football - 2003

With 146 clubs and 11,201 registered players, football is far and away the most popular sport among the 245,405 inhabitants on the island of Tahiti. The national association of the island nation annexed to France became a member of FIFA on the strength of its special status. Tahiti scored their greatest hit when they took Australia into extra time at the 2002 Oceania Nations Cup - but Australia snatched the golden goal for 2-1. Tahiti have celebrated many triumphs in local and confederation competitions since 1966. Marama Vahirua is their most famous footballer. He is making a very good name for himself in France with first-division club Nantes.

The Goal Bureau approved the project to build a training centre in Pirae on 15 October 2003. The project involved the construction of a number of buildings and the laying of two top-quality natural turf pitches. The total cost were covered by funding from the Goal Programme (USD 400,000) and contributions from the island's government, the French football association and the Oceania Football Confederation. The association has unlimited access to all of the amenities in the complex. Activities will be focused on developing football among boys and girls and on training national teams at all levels. The complex provides offices for the association's administrative staff and a small training centre suitable for courses and seminars.