The two newest additions to the Merifutbol family bring the total number of U-16 girl’s leagues in Papua New Guinea to six. In both locations almost 120 girls are involved in the eight team leagues, which are only expected to grow bigger, better and stronger.
One team in Lae is made up of the daughters of soldiers from the nearby army barracks, while another team has three members of the Papua New Guinea U-15 team which participated in the Youth Olympic Football Tournament in Nanjing, China last year.
The best players from the Merifutbol Programme will be selected to take part in the PNGFA Centre of Excellence Programme.
Following the success of the league launch, next on the agenda in Lae is the five day FIFA Women’s Football Coaching Course.
The course will be led by OFC Women’s Football Development Officer Nicola Demaine, also a FIFA Instructor, who says it will help prepare the coaches of teams taking part in the Merifutbol League, or players involved in the Centre of Excellence.
“One of the key outcomes I expect the participants to take away from this course is a greater understanding of how to develop female youth players,” Demaine explains of the course objectives.
“All aspects of coaching will be covered, from session design and content to delivering age appropriate activities to meet the players’ needs.
“With six leagues and four Centres of Excellence for girls, this course will assist the Papua New Guinea Football Association with improving the quality of these programmes.”
The FIFA Women’s Football Coaching Course is being held from 11-15 May in Lae, Papua New Guinea.

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