The Port Moresby Schools Soccer Association is reviving its competitions through a staged holiday camp program. With support of PNG Sports Foundation, in terms of venue allocation for their training programs, it is aiming at sending U-16 girls to compete in the OFC U-16 Women’s Championships to be held in Tahiti, from September 13-30.
"We planned this soccer camp with support of the Sports Foundation CEO Albert Veratau. The holiday camp is organized by the Port Moresby Schools Soccer Association, an organization set up by like minded PE teachers and parents from private schools and public schools to cater for school children's soccer needs,” said POM Soccer Association Interim President Julius Magei.
“The main aim of the camp was to help identify U16 girls because there is a competition in Tahiti in September. We brought together all the school aged children from the competitions we have on Saturdays to see which one is eligible to participate,” said President Julius Magei.
Some of the participating schools are Paradise College, Salvation Army Boroko Primary, POMIS, Living Light Academy, Gordons Secondary, Emmanuel Lutheran, Gerehu Lahara Avenue, Korobosea International School, Malolo International School, to name a few.
POM SSA was very active before Covid19 hit and now it’s slowly reviving its tournaments.
“We had a lot of competition before Covid hit and because of it, this is the first year we are reviving it again. So, we are slowly bringing the school back to its former state and it is open to both private and public schools,” stated President Magei.
POM SSA is already underway with their round 2 proper seasons and round 3 to continue in term
Furthermore, the affiliation fee for interested participants is K500 and one team registration is K150, this is because the association depends on this to run their operation as they are not a money-making body but rather, catering for soccer developments among school aged children.
Magei made special mention of the CEO for his support, in which they are now happy to use the venue to run their programs.
He also extends his appreciation to the volunteering teachers and parents from participating schools like Paradise College and Living Life as well as former soccer players for their assistance towards the program and the participating children.
“I think this program is supported by parents and they are very supportive. Many parents have shown their interest in this coaching clinic and have shown their support by coming with them. They sit for two to three hours here while their child(ren) are practicing, after which they take them home. I think this shows that their parents as main assets, put up a good show. If sporting bodies like Sports Foundation can assist with this program, I believe we can have a better sports future for our country,” commented a volunteer teacher Joseph Warika.
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