Talent identification programme woos township

 A successful Under-20 talent identification programme has brought the joy of football to young girls in Kimbe, West New Britain.

Over 300 young girls flocked to Kimbe Soccer Association Oval last Friday as the Papua New Guinea Football Association hosted the U20 talent identification programme for girls aged 14 to 19.

With the goal of identifying talented girls throughout the country, the national association visited Kimbe in preparation for building a strong team for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup next year. 

The programme brought girls together to participate in activities to show off their soccer talents. 

National technical director Taku Niebo said the programme was initiated to give an opportunity for wider participation throughout the country. 

It was a test for the town and village girls to out their knowledge of the sport to the test, Niebo said.

“It’s only fair to stretch out and reach to the village girls, who have the potential to reach new heights.      

“With this programme, we anticipate that more young girls in rural areas who are talented will be identified because the Government is investing a huge amount of money for this very purpose.

“It was a real eye-opener. 

“I think it was wonderful to see how much girls could be involved in football,” Nebo said.

The talent identification programme was held from 10am to 2pm, with all girls getting involved in the football activities.