School set for players

 By FRANCIS RODNEY PULU

MEMBERS of the train-on squad for the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup will be attending Goroka Grammar School while training at the National Sport Institute (NSI), says national Coach Lisa Cole.

The arrangement for the girls to balance their training with studies was made last year between PNG Football Association (PNGFA) and the Department of Education so that the girls’ education is not disrupted.

The girls’ classes start today at the Goroka Grammar School.

Cole said the girls’ education was important apart from playing football which they took into consideration to come up with this option.

“We are giving them this opportunity so their education and training is balanced,” she said.

From the 28 member squad that was announced last month Cole said 25 players were already in camp at NSI while others would be joining soon. 

She said in terms of their training she also had the chance to review the video of the game between the senior women’s side against New Zealand which 10 members of the U-20 team were part of.

Cole said her immediate focus now was to get the girls to work more on their game’s organisation skills.

“I had been with the girls in the last previous camps so we will continue to work on areas that need improvement,” she said.

She said she wanted the players to develop the right attitude towards their games in general.

Cole said it was good to see the U-20 girls who were in the line up against New Zealand to play and get some exposure with New Zealand being one of the 16 countries taking part in the World Cup in November.

Cole said as part of their preparations they would also be having some international lead-up competitions.

“We are looking at Korea, Australia and USA which we will confirm once things are formalised,” she said. 

A final squad would be announced before the November event.