Programme attracts more than 200 children

THE Hekari School of Excellence programme has been running for the last five weeks and Saturday’s session saw more than 200 children turning up at the Bisini Soccer Ground in Port Moresby.
Franchise manager Vonnie Kapi Natto said she was impressed with the turn-out and support from parents who brought their children for the morning session.
She said the franchise had big plans for their academy come June where they would pick the best of the children and train them on the basics of football.
“I’m impressed with the parental support,” Kapi Natto said.
“It’s encouraging, not only for now but we have big plans ahead.
“Every session, I tell parents that we have a dream and a vision — our dream for many years was to take some of our players to play in Europe one day.”
Kapi Natto said a programme like this had not existed in the country and as a franchise manager, she was taking the initiative to get senior players to help develop youngsters.
“I believe that if we continue with this programme, we will have a lot of players available for selection into the youth and senior teams,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to the weeks to come with support from parents and everyone.”