Based on the Asia Pacific Football Academy model, the Lae site will provide a player centred approach to football development involving a daily football programme for boys aged 13-17 years old.
PNGFA general secretary Dimirit Mileng says the new programme is expected to strengthen the base of young players coming up through the ranks.
“The programme aim is to develop and strengthen the game as a whole in the country,” Mileng says.
“We want to identify, develop and educate both players and staff to the highest possible level domestically and internationally by creating an elite football environment and inspiring young players to excel as role models in the community and create pathways for them.”
The academy launch, held late last month in Lae, was attended by a number of dignitaries including representatives from the academy’s major sponsors Super Value Stores (SVS) and Da Edge.
SVS marketing manager Angelyn Famundi Baker says the company is keen to support the programme especially given it focus on youth education as well as sports.
“You have the opportunity to be ambassadors and role models not only for this programme and football, but in life,” Baker told the first intake of elite players present at the ceremony.
The Lae Elite Player Academy has received a huge amount of support from OFC and it is believed this relationship, combined with the close relationship with APFA, will provide pathways for graduates that
include university scholarships in New Zealand and the United States of America.
The programme will run for 40 weeks of the year with training sessions taking place four times a week from 4-6pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

Share