𝗣𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗲𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗙𝗖 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺

PNG Hekari FC has officially launched its 2026 PNG Hekari Academy in Port Moresby on Saturday, 28 March 2026, marking a major milestone in the club’s grassroots football development pathway.

The launch event, held at PNG Football Stadium, featured a vibrant Kids Meet & Greet Open Training Session that attracted up to 200 young participants aged 4 to 17.

The session created an exciting and inclusive environment, with children taking part in interactive warm-ups, skill-based training stations, and friendly matches, while also engaging with coaches and staff.

The strong turnout highlighted growing interest in football development at an early age, not only in the nation’s capital but across the country.

The establishment of the academy aligns with the Oceania Football Confederation Professional League requirements, which mandate all clubs to operate structured academies to identify and nurture young talent into professional players.

Hekari’s academy is already active across the country’s four regions, with two notable players in the professional team—Joseph Joe and Nelson Karaun—having progressed through the system.

PNG Hekari FC Director Vonnie Kapi Natto expressed gratitude during the launch, thanking parents and children for their participation and support in shaping the club's future.

The club has appointed Jerry Sam as Academy Coordinator, a move expected to strengthen the program’s reach and impact. Sam brings valuable experience from futsal development across Oceania, including his role as a technical coach with the club.

Mr. Sam commended the impressive turnout, noting that nearly 200 children attended the opening session, and confirmed that the program will continue in the coming weeks.

Also in attendance was Augustine Mano, the Managing Director of Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), the club’s major sponsor, who joined other parents in supporting the initiative and watching his son participate in training.

The successful launch signals a promising future for football development in Papua New Guinea as PNG Hekari FC continues to invest in building the next generation of football stars.