The National Sports Institute Oval became of a field of pink at the weekend as almost 200 young girls were given their first introduction to FIFA’s hugely successful Live Your Goals festival.
It’s the first time Live Your Goals has spread to Goroka after proving a success in Lae and Port Moresby.
The festival of women’s football was also an opportunity for the kids to meet FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup official mascot Susa for the first time.
Taking part in Live Your Goals were girls aged six-16 years old from two primary schools in Goroka and also included the children of players from the seven clubs taking part in the Goroka Soccer Association competition.
Goroka Grammar School principal and school soccer president, Paddy Kelly launched the programme in front of the girls and their parent.
“Live Your Goals is a great program because it has the ability to increase the participation of girls in this sport,” Kelly said.
“There’s also been lots of studies that shows the benefits of sports, health benefits, educational benefits and social benefits.”
The PNG U-20 women’s team, due to participate in next month’s world cup for the first time, was also there to help the organisers teach the young girls basic football techniques.
Team manager Cathy Agunam said the side has been training for the past 10 months in Goroka and most of their trainings have been restricted to the public.
“Having the girls be part of the Live Your Goals programme will encourage the young girls to aspire to pursue a career in football,” Agunam said.
The day was filled with a lot of fun activities which the PNG U-20 women’s players were happy to be part of.
Live Your Goals will be next launched in Kimbe, with the festival scheduled for next week.