Markham revives soccer

A NEW football association has been launched in an effort to revive the sport and create a pathway for players in Markham, Morobe.
The G-Gingump Football Association was launched on Monday at Itsirl village in the Umi Atzera local-level government area of Markham.
One of the more popular sports in Morobe, soccer was introduced in Papua New Guinea in 1884 by German missionaries with the first competition held during the gold rush in Wau, association secretary Willie Daniel said.
The launching also saw the kick-off of a week-long tournament with 19 men’s teams competing for a Cup, which was donated by village elder and Bumayong Lutheran Secondary School principal Saya Daniel.
“The love for soccer is here in Morobe,” Willie said.
“When you travel around the province, you will see soccer being played everywhere because of its popularity.
“We have raw talents but there is no pathway for our young people to go and play outside.
“We did have the Kaiapit Soccer Association but it had ceased due to unknown reasons.
“Here at G-Gingump, we’ve seen that there are many talents in Markham and that has ignited our interests to find ways to create a pathway for our young people in soccer.
“We have the potential but we need our players joining tougher competitions to improve their skills.”
He said they were looking to affiliate under the Papua New Guinea Football Association.
Meanwhile, G-Gingump is in discussions to be a feeder competition to the Lae Football Association.