PNGFA Women’s Development Officer Frederica Sakette says it was a timely introduction of the Girl’s Festival with the Manus Soccer Association also hosting a tournament to select representatives for the Manus team in the upcoming Besta FA Cup.
“There were a total of 102 girls from local primary schools and Manus Secondary School all taking part,” Sakette says.
Aided by Peter Sakael, a Manus-based OFC C Licence accredited coach, Sakette says the festival was a huge success.
“This is the first time PNGFA has gone into this football mad province with the Girl’s Festival Programme and the feedback was positive,” Sakette says.
The participants were taught a range of technical skills, including dribbling and passing, before taking part in some five-a-side games.
Sakette says as well as providing an introduction to the game, she and Sakael were able to collectively identify a number of young players to trial for the national U-17 and U-20 teams.
Manus Governor Hon. Charlie Benjamin was in attendance along with Manus Soccer Association president Nawi Changau and the Provincial Sports Coordinator Steven Kalai with all three stating their pleasure at PNGFA’s decision to bring the festival to Manus.
Governor Benjamin used the occasion to suggest that with the huge football following in the province, PNGFA could bring more programmes to Manus, all of which he believes would see a high uptake from the locals.
The next festival will be held during the Besta FA Cup in New Guinea Islands which Manus will host at the end of August, followed by the Governor’s Cup in October.
For more on Papua New Guinea football visit www.pngfootball.com.pg

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