The Centre of Excellence programme is an initiative developed by the OFC technical department who provide support to member associations in the form of gear and coaching manuals.
Talented young players aged between 13 and 15 years old are selected to attend the centre where they receive coaching from trained staff.
Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) are piloting the programme in Port Moresby where centres for both boys and girls are underway.
The centres are set up to develop young talent for the future, with the idea that these players will go on to represent their country at age group level.
With the Papua New Guinea senior women’s side occupying the second highest ranking of any Oceania side in the FIFA World Rankings, PNGFA is working especially hard in this area as they try to chase down long-time leaders New Zealand.
There are two sessions per week for both groups with the boys training every Monday and Wednesday and the girls Tuesdays and Thursdays at John Guise Stadium.
Boys’ coach Hans Gewebing says the participating players are already displaying improvement to their dribbling, passing, shooting and heading abilities.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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