Young footballers offered pathway

By ISAAC LIRI
A total of 27 schools will be taking part in this year’s schools soccer competition in Port Moresby, says secretary John Agovai.
The competition operates under the Schools Football Association Port Moresby Inc, which aims to develop talented footballers at an early age.
“Since 2016, the re-introduction of schools soccer after seven years of absence, a lot of changes boosted our development aspirations within the footballing circles,” Agovai said.
“Currently, we have 27 schools engaged due to limited venues although we have more schools in the National Capital District.
“The age divisions taking part are U6, U8, and U10 (mixed teams), and U12, U14, U16 and U18 for boys and girls.
“Our development pathway is simple — from school soccer, talented footballers are selected into set-ups like the Mogisan academy for U6 to U10 and Centoro Sports for U12 to U17.
“From the Centoro Sports Academy, players are drafted into the Southern Strikers which is our elite development team in the National Soccer League.
“The Southern Strikers Football Club Limited is the business arm of the school soccer.
“Any funds through it help fund the development activities of schools soccer.
“Our games are played at the East Boroko oval for U6, U8, and U10. Gordon International oval for U12 and U14.
“Sir John Guise Stadium accommodates U16 and U18 games.
“This year, there two overseas tournaments in which our players will take part. In July, the U16 and U18 boys and girls will attend the Canberra Kanga Cup.
“In September, our U10, U12 and U14 boys and girls will fly down to Cairns for the John Bomben Cup.
“Through such tournaments, our players will harness their skills further and gain experience in higher competitions.”
For accountability and transparency, the Port Moresby International School administers the association’s account, providing quarterly reports to stakeholders.