With only 50 days to go, the Local Organising Committee is working around the clock as the kick-off for the first match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup nears.

LOC Chief Executive Officer Seamus Marten said a lot has been happening behind the scenes since the 100 Days countdown early last month, and all functional areas of the LOC have continued working tirelessly to ensure that their operational areas are ready before kick off on 13 November.

The LOC hosted the team workshop that saw a delegation from the FIFA headquarters in Zurich meet with other stakeholders to see preparations on the ground and witness the unveiling of the winner’s trophy by Papua New Guinea Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko.

National carrier Air Niugini was announced as the first local company to come on board as a National Supporter of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2016, with others close to confirming their commitment next week. It will be the first time that a PNG company will have its brand sitting alongside the larger international brands at a FIFA tournament.

The LOC has been building awareness with FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup mascot Susa making appearances at schools, in the community, and at the recent Independence celebrations held at the Paga Ringroad in the build up to the tournament.

LOC Accreditation consultant Shane Goldfinch is in the country to assist LOC’s accreditation team meet all FIFA’s accreditation requirements and standards before accreditation goes live online at 4pm today.

“The online accreditation or registration is for workforce that have an operational role to play during the tournament. Those eligible to apply for the online accreditation are our partner agencies, venue owners, service providers and the general workforce,” he said.

The four recently appointed venue general managers are making preparations for their trip to Jordan in October to attend the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to gain an understanding of the operations behind FIFA tournaments and prepare them for when they return to lead their match venues in November.

Infrastructure development in the Bava Park and PNG Football stadium has picked up and is on target. The stands and seats have been put in and the two storey building to house the changing rooms and VIP rooms is underway.

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 will be held from 13 November to 3 December.

For more on Papua New Guinea football visit www.pngfootball.com.pg