Reviving soccer in remote areas

The Football Federation Papua New Guinea is now reaching out to the unreached.

Through its concept of reviving soccer in rural communities, FFPNG is reaching out to local level governments and districts to do just this.

The FFPNG delegation, led by President John Kapi Natto, were in East Sepik Province recently to launch the Sepik Football Association.

This newsroom caught up with the team at Maprik Secondary School where the president had launched the association with the promise of a brighter future for soccer in the district.

The announcement was welcomed with excitement by participants as well as heads of the game in the district, including the president of SFA.

Kapi Natto said East Sepik province is recognised for its passion in the sport and choosing to launch a branch of FFPNG out here was not a mistake.

He reiterated that mostly national recognition was given to players from Port Moresby and Lae but there is a potential for everyone.

Kapi Natto said it is a long reach but extending out to rural and district levels is a way forward for FFPNG.

At least 12 teams throughout the province, as well willing teams from neighbouring West Sepik, will be taking part in the tournament, which will be held in Maprik.

The competition was initiated by local MP John Simon with a friendly match from two teams from Maprik.

(John Kapi Natto)

Author: 
Imelda Wavik