Organisers of the 2008 South Island Secondary Schoolgirls' satellite tournament are making final arrangements to host 16 teams who will vie to become the best side in the mainland over four days of competition.
Balclutha tournament convener Heather Dudfield said last-minute details were all in hand and the committee was excited about the prospects of hosting the estimated 300-plus visitors.
The tournament starts on Monday, September 1, and runs through until the grand final on the afternoon of Thursday, September 4.
Teams south of Christchurch have been confirmed and the committee is now finalising the programme, draw and other details.
Most of the teams are expected to arrive on August 31.
Mrs Dudfield said the tournament was one of the biggest in recent memory for Balclutha and economic spinoffs were expected for the town's business community, which had been generous with its support and sponsorship already.
The event will be based at the main central Balclutha sports fields in and around the Balclutha Association Football Club, with the grand final to be played in the main ring at the Balclutha Showgrounds.
The tournament kicks off on Monday, September 1, with each team playing twice that day.
The next day, teams get a lighter schedule, with just one match each before reverting to the two-game programme on Wednesday.
Thursday, September 4, is finals day and several sudden-death games will be played in the morning before the two finalists are decided.
The grand final starts at 1pm so teams have plenty of time that day to start their trips home.
