Local football still lacking support, says official

By LARRY ANDREW
FOOTBALL still lacks support in the country despite it being the world’s biggest sport, according to an official of the code’s national governing body.
Papua New Guinea Football Association executive committee member Jackson Varcilli said that during a meet-and-greet event with Morobe players of the women’s national team in Lae last week.
Varcilli said unlike rugby league and union, which received significant support, soccer was consistently played in Lae and across the country as not everyone had the physique for contact sports.
“Football is the biggest sport in the world,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we do lack support at the local grassroots level especially here in Lae, which makes it incredibly challenging for local associations, such as Lahi and Lae Football Association to run competitions each year.
“Supporting local clubs and associations provides opportunities for countless young people to engage in the sport.
Varcilli said Meagan Gunemba was instrumental in the team’s title-winning campaign in the recent Oceania Football Confederation Women’s Nations Cup in Fiji.
“She reached her peak on tour and continued to deliver on the big stage,” the Lahi Soccer Association president said.
“Her goals led us into the final, she pulled us out of a 0-2 deficit in the quarterfinals against Tonga when she came on at halftime.
“She also blasted us home to beat Fiji in the final.
“The other Pacific countries fielded professional players who were contracted in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
“Meagan and each player here are an example of the years of football development, established right here in Lae.
“It has been only through family involvement in the sport, run by local associations which have brought these women this far.”
“Support comes in the form of providing training equipment, jerseys and club registration fees.”
Vacilli said football provided an avenue for human resource development.
“I encourage all business houses and the public to support a local soccer club or an association.”