PNGFA, Fifa run workshop for women officials

THE Papua New Guinea Football Association, in collaboration with the sport’s world governing body, Fifa, held a week-long women’s refereeing workshop in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, last month.
The event — which was part of the Fifa and Oceania Football Confederation refereeing assistance programme — saw the involvement of 35 referees.
Led by association refereeing boss Jimmy Warai, Fifa and confederation fitness instructor Tauati Kader, association referee development official Ben Niso and referee physical instructor Noah Kusunan also assisted in delivering the workshop.
The workshop was made up of theoretical components to help the attendees better understand football, while Tahiti-based Kader conducted physical training tests online via Zoom.
Warai said the purpose of the course was to continue the growth of women referees.
“There are a lot of opportunities out there for women in refereeing,” he said.
“Each of the women who were selected have great potential and I look forward to seeing them apply what they’ve learned in their own environments.”
Kader was pleased with efforts to get more women referees involved in PNG.
“I was overwhelmed by the large number of female referees taking part in the course,” Kader said.
“With the Fifa Women’s World Cup taking place next year, I would like to see more Papua New Guinean women listed for international matches at the confederation and World Cup level.” – OFC