The highly successful FIFA-backed festival is targeted at getting young girls motivated and eager to learn more about football through a number of exciting activities, including six-a-side matches.
A number of current and former women’s national team members and referees attended the festival to highlight the pathway available to young female players.
PNGFA women’s development officer Frederica Sakette says FIFA are focusing on the development of the women’s game which is exactly what she wants to see happen in Papua New Guinea.
“Everyone should be equal, the boys are up there and the girls have to be up there with them. That’s why we’re having these festivals to get the girl’s interested,” Sakette says.
She says the OFC Just Play programme has had a strong influence on football development in the country with some talented young players being identified through the programme’s activities.
With the national women’s side coming a distant second to New Zealand’s Football Ferns in the regional rankings, the PNGFA believe there is plenty of potential available to begin bridging that gap.
With the continued support of FIFA and OFC the association is determined to continuing growing the game with early development at youth level the focus. A lot of hard work is going into the implementation of Centres of Development and Centres of Excellence, with the festivals acting as a means for player identification.
Another Festival for Girls is scheduled to take place in Garoka on 26 July while Port Moresby is expected to see the launch of a new league on 19 July while Madang’s league will kick-off on 31 July.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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