Pauline Dean, the Cook Islands FA Competition Manager, has shared her experiences and insights while working at the FIFA Women's World Cup, held in the Oceania region for the first time.

Excited about the opportunity of this major sporting event close to home, she emphasized that local collaboration played an instrumental role in ensuring smooth operations and memorable experiences for all involved.

"I enjoyed my time working as a competition official at the Women’s World Cup, better yet with colleagues from all around the world. The team at Waikato Stadium in the different functional areas were very helpful which made the work easier in a way. Also, because they were all the same people from the play-off tournament, working was so much easier and fun," Dean said.

She believes that having such a prestigious event in Oceania is not only thrilling for fans who are now able to enjoy live matches, but also an exceptional opportunity for individuals living in that region.

She emphasized how the recent visit by the FIFA President to local member associations has further boosted enthusiasm about hosting such a prestigious event in their backyard.

Dean also addressed some of the challenges encountered during her duties and proposed that asking for help was essential for overcoming difficulties throughout the tournament.

She shared how gaining experience from various FIFA events has helped her improve domestic competitions while adjusting them to fit specific requirements.

Among her most memorable moments during the tournament was witnessing Zambia scoring its landmark 1000th goal against Costa Rica – a first for any Women's World Cup.

This extraordinary achievement even led to preserving both ball and boot as mementos in the distinguished FIFA Museum.

Pauline Dean's role as FIFA Match Coordinator has seen her providing valuable assistance to teams and ensuring seamless coordination between different aspects of each match.

Reflecting on her experience at this FIFA tournament, she treasures not only professional growth but also lasting friendships made along the way.

As competitions like FIFA Women’s World Cup continue to captivate global audiences, it's imperative to acknowledge the hard work and passion behind the scenes by devoted officials like Pauline Dean.

Her enthusiasm and positive attitude remain a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together from all corners of the world.

• CIFA