MADANG Governor Sir Arnold Amet has assured PNG soccer officials that an international class soccer field will be built in Madang.
Sir Arnold made the commitment last week to representatives of Madang Soccer Association (MSA) and PNG Football Association who met with him to ask for land for the FIFA-funded project for Madang and other soccer-playing provinces.
A team led by PNGFA president David Chung and FIFA development officer for Oceania region Glen Turner met with Sir Arnold to gauge his support in acquiring the land opposite the Laiwaden Oval.
Glen Turner told him that FIFA, the world soccer governing body, has allocated US$1 million to develop 17 soccer fields in PNG.
He said that Madang was one of the four provinces initially chosen for the building of the soccer field.
Turner however, noted the importance of land ownership and asked Sir Arnold to transfer the land title at portion 29 allotments 6 and part of 1 to PNGFA.
This portion of land is the former Kusabau police barracks which had been abandoned for health reasons. Currently six police personal and their family are residing in this condemned barracks.
“FIFA want to develop infrastructure, but obtaining land is a major problem. We request assistance from provincial governments for good playing surface and other developments,” Turner said.
“PNGFA need your government support in building a soccer field to international standard. This would accommodate the two National Soccer League teams and other events in the region,” Glen said.
Sir Amet said that he agreed with the proposal and will seek advise from his advisors to assist the PNGFA. He also suggested that the facility when developed must be used for other activities as well.
PNGFA president, David Chung said that the Madang is centrally located and can host many international games if it owns first class soccer facilities.
“Madang can boost tourism through soccer. We want to host as many international soccer games as possible,” Chung said.
He asked Sir Arnold and the provincial government to assist in securing the land so that development can begin in February.
“It wonít take long. Weíll work on it and give you an answer soon,” Sir Arnold said.