The FIFA-approved initiative massively exceeded expectations during its opening period, reaching out to 7,000 primary school students – far more than originally targeted – throughout Port Moresby after being launched in March.
The milestone year was then wrapped up in style when Papua New Guinea joined other countries across the Pacific in celebrating Just Play Day during November with a football festival.
The programme took a break over the festive period due to the school holidays but returns this month as the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) looks to expand Just Play into other areas of the country.
Under the guidance of PNGFA Just Play Project Manager Taku Neibo, it will be rolled out into Lae in early March while the regions of Goroka and Kimbe will follow later that month.
But to kick start the year, a workshop is being held this week in Port Moresby which has brought together 26 teachers from 11 schools set to take part in the programme.
The two-day workshop aims to teach the participants how to run Just Play in their respective schools as the demand for the unique programme continues to grow.
After learning how to teach the skills and techniques of Just Play, the workshop participants will be issued with equipment bags containing the necessary gear to put it into practice, such as balls, cones, bibs and activity guides.
Developed by the OFC social responsibility and technical departments, Just Play is designed for children aged six to 12 and promotes physical activity while encouraging community involvement and healthy living.
It was launched in Tonga in 2009 and has since been introduced in Vanuatu, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Auckland, New Zealand.
OFC will continue to work closely with UEFA, Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Government of Australia – through its agencies the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) – to roll out the Just Play programme across the Pacific. The Australian Government has shown its support to the project by contributing AU$4million.
The confederation has also been working in New Zealand with Special Olympics (NZ) on a Just Play programme for people with mental disabilities and has launched the new initiative in Samoa and Fiji.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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