Football fever hits Tahiti and her islands

For football fans looking to enjoy the sport in a far-flung location, Tahiti and her islands is set to host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on September 18-28, becoming the first Pacific Island nation to welcome the event. The natural landscape combining striking mountainous terrain and turquoise lagoons provides an opportunity for UK football supporters to swap Astroturf for white sand, football boots for bare feet and UK drizzle for Polynesian sunshine, soaking up the atmosphere of the games and cheering on football matches with a difference.   The seventh edition of the tournament is set to be held in French Polynesia’s capital city Papeete at the To'ata Stadium, with teams partaking from across the globe including Spain, Paraguay, Brazil and Russia.   The event provides an opportunity for French Polynesians to showcase their vibrant, colourful culture, with traditional music and dance displays during the intervals. For the first time in the event’s history, an official song has also been released, titled Tu’e Popo, which has lyrics in both Tahitian, French and English sung by local artist Sabrina Laughlin, infused with eclectic sounds such as the ukulele. Visitors and locals alike can relax in the warm and revitalising environment whilst supporting the teams taking part in the historic event, and when the action draws to a close spectators can make the most of an extended stay.