PNGFA is also looking to involve more women in officiating matches which is why they were pleased to welcome last week’s successful FIFA Women’s Referee Course to Lae.
Held at the PNGFA Academy the six-day workshop was attended by 29 women from various member associations from all over Papua New Guinea.
Facilitated by FIFA Referee Instructor Sandra Serafini of the United States of America, participants learnt the Laws of the Game, and took part in activities highlighting how to transfer their newfound knowledge onto the field.
Serafini said it had been an incredibly week working with such enthusiastic and driven women.
“It’s the first step on a very long journey that could go as far as they want it to,” she said.
“I want them to stay in touch, stay strong and stay confident and use this as a stepping stone into a career in refereeing.”
During the practical sessions the aspiring officials were shown how and when to move, to call fouls, the difference between direct and indirect kicks and positioning.
With the women’s game growing all over the globe, and especially in Papua New Guinea, the goal is for these women to start officiating in the national women’s league and perhaps even the men’s.
One of the participants, Ms Bayagau, was excited to be taking advantage of the opportunity to develop as a referee.
“It’s been a privilege for me coming this far, as the only woman representing my province Alotau,” Bayagou said.
“Attending this course has given me so much knowledge and I have seen and learnt that I didn’t know before, but which will help me do more in my province.”
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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