Since the competition kicked off last month more than 300 players have been introduced to the world game, with participants coming from 18 schools in NCD.
With the support from FIFA, PNGFA aims to further develop women’s football in the country to be more competitive on the world stage.
On Saturday each team participating in the FIFA Girls U-16 Competition were presented with a box of soccer boots and a bag containing balls, shin pads and jerseys. The presentation was made by PNGFA Senior Vice President Ms Linda Wonuhali, also a member of the FIFA Committee for Women’s Football and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and witnessed by OFC Consultant to PNGFA Mr David Brand.
Ms Wonuhali said it’s a good programme to help young girls not only to play football but also to help in developing their lives.
“We like to encourage our young girls to help them to strengthen their weaknesses and encourage them to play football not only as a social game but to build pathways for their future in football to represent the country one day,” Wonuhali said.
Round one of the competition is still underway and all the teams have played four games each already with the young players having shown improvement in their level of football skills.
Yamaros is leading the competition with 15 points followed by Freeway Eagles on 8 points, Hidden Valley and City Swans on 6 points each, 5 points each is City Souths, and City Slumps, Bay Watchers on 4 points and trailing behind with 3 points is Easternders.
The onus now is on the coaches to motivate the girls more and encourage them to play football at anytime.
This competition is just the beginning with many moves for positive growth of women’s game in Papua New Guinea.