Seven-a-side junior soccer gaining momentum: Founder

By PISAI GUMAR
INTEREST in a seven-a-side soccer competition for children is growing at Sugar Valley in Gusap Downs, with 52 teams involving more than 500 players battling it out each weekend.
Grassroots Pikinini Soccer founder Bernadine Taramaku, secretary Benny Pari and president Melinda Thom are the organisers of the competition, which held its quarterfinals last weekend.
The players compete in the divisions from U7 to U15.
Taramaku started the competition in 2003.
“I have acquired all the grassroots coaching skills and I’m implementing them,” Taramaku said.
“We are affiliated with the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA).
“The increase in interest calls for a junior soccer programme in Ramu to develop our children who are keen to play at an early stage.”
Taramaku said one of the products of the competition was PNG female goalkeeper Faith Kasiray.
But she said not many young girls were participating in the competition. Taramaku encouraged parents to allow their daughters to participate in the competition.
Taramaku said she was excited about John Kapi Natto’s leadership following his recent election as PNGFA president.
Taramaku said she was looking forward to seeing PNGFA visit soccer competitions in the rural areas to help boost junior development.