Underpinning this generational change is FIFA’s commitment to developing the women’s game and providing women from all walks of life to be involved in football at some level.
This assistance enabled the PNGFA to launch the FIFA U-16 Women’s League in Port Moresby over the weekend with girls from schools within the Northern Capital District taking part.
Eight teams are taking part in the competition which runs for three months, before going on a break in October before resuming in the next school year.
Sakiusa Donis, a teacher at one of the schools participating in the new league, says it is a great initiative and thanks have to be extended to FIFA, OFC and the PNGFA for their part in its launch.
“I think such development programmes are very important to our up-and-coming girls for their development to become better players in the future,” Donis says.
Sacred Heart Primary School student Samantha Tomokita feels the league is the perfect medium for girls to showcase their talent for football.
“In PNG football is dominated by men but a competition such as this will really most the girls’ morale and get more of them involved in football.”
This opportunity is the first introduction to football for many of the participants though all of the young girls are now keen to build their skills and knowledge of the game in the hope that they will catch the eye of national selectors especially with a number of excellent opportunities on the horizon.
The league is expected to assist in the preparation of identified players who will take part in the U-15 Youth Olympic Games in China next year as well as other international tournaments such as the OFC U-17 Championship scheduled for January 2014.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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