The Port Moresby Vipers Academy, through the PNG NRL Bid Program, are in intensive training in preparation for the upcoming School Championship slated from July 21st to 22nd in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.
A total of six franchise teams that are under the PNG NRL Bid Development Pathway will take part in the School Championship. The participants are: Port Moresby Vipers Academy; Central Dabaris Academy; Agmark Gurias Academy; Goroka Lahanis Academy; Lae Snax Tigers Academy; and Mt Hagen Eagles Academy.
The inaugural championship for the school-aged students (U19 boys & U18 girls) will see hundreds of talented budding teenagers in the six academies converge in Goroka to showcase their skills on two days.
After the championship, the cream of the crop will be selected for the National Championship and a friendly fixture with a Fijian side will follow suit.
Port Moresby Vipers Academy coach, Godfrey Luke, touched on the evolution of the game and how it has transitioned from the old system to the modern style of football.
“The game has changed a lot, so we need to teach our kids the new style of game. We can’t teach them the old style of football where we used to play. It’s done and dusted,” coach Luke said.
In terms of the team’s preparation, Luke said they were doing fine but there were some challenges that they needed to address before heading to the championship. He is not worried about the result but wants the kids to master the fundamentals and execute what they’ve learn't.
“Though we are doing okay, it’s a bit of a struggle because we have a girls’ team and due to limited time, it will affect our preparation,” Luke said.
“But the main thing is that we are trying to get all the basics right. We want to go up to Goroka and play all the basics.
“It’s not about going to Goroka and winning the championship. If we see that the kids are getting the basics right and demonstrating it on the field, then we are happy.”
As the July School Championship approaches, only 20 U18 girls and 20 U19 boys from the six franchises will make the final cut to represent their respective academies and compete in Goroka.
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