PNGFA Launched 2025 Futsal Competition

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) officially launched its new football competition called ‘Futsal’ on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, at PNGFA’s headquarters in Port Moresby. 

Futsal is a type of soccer or football that is played indoors on a much smaller court. Futsal is played between two teams of five players each. It’s a fast-paced and more intense game. 

In 2023, the Beach Soccer competition was affiliated with PNGFA and one year later, the Futsal competition was sanctioned by PNG, with more emphasis on expanding the ancient code across the country.

Futsal and Beach Soccer are the two newest competitions sanctioned by the PNGFA, joining the existing Premier Soccer League, Women's Conference Soccer League, and the National Youth Soccer League.

PNGFA President John Kapi Natto launched the inaugural Futsal League competition over the weekend, encouraging players to participate and hone their skills in the dynamic indoor sport.

"Futsal is a very interesting game played indoors or outdoors, depending on the turf where people can develop their playing skills," Kapi Natto said.

"Many prominent footballers around the world have come through futsal to reach where they are today, so I’m very excited.” 

The seven participating clubs are Hekari United FC, Gulf Komara FC, Port Moresby Strikers FC, United Highlands FC, Sepik, Kopr 8 FC, Sepik FC, and Phoenix FC - with round 1 to kick off this evening (June 9) at Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Center.

"Today is a special day for the futsal competition and PNGFA. These teams are the foundational members of the newly established National Futsal League competition,” Kapi Natto said. 

Mr. Kapi Natto extended his gratitude to the futsal competition team led by Paul Isorua, Leo Jakanduo, and Tonga Esira, for their efforts in bringing the league to reality. He also noted that work is underway to ensure the inaugural futsal competition thrives across the country.

The futsal competition is piloted in the nation’s capital and will later be rolled out to Lae and other centers, especially the football playing areas.