The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA), under the stellar leadership of President John Kapi Natto, has extended sincere appreciation to Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) for their generous sponsorship and vision in fostering the future of football in the region.
During a recent cheque presentation ceremony, OTML’s Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Llmbit, emphasized the significance of developing youth players from grassroots levels through a well-structured, bottom- up approach.
In his remarks during the presentation, Mr. Llmbit articulated his enthusiasm for the partnership, underscoring the strategic initiatives established by PNGFA to engage players as young as five. The objective is to introduce these young athletes to the sport through a structured school competition, paving a path from primary school football to elite competition, thereby preparing them for the forthcoming Oceania Professional League launch in 2026. Establishing a player supply chain to support the demand from the Oceania Professional League is commendable and represents an exceptional strategy.
“I am genuinely impressed by PNGFA’s comprehensive plan to identify and cultivate talent early on. By instituting a structured competition in schools, we are instilling a passion for the game and equipping the next generation for a promising future in football,” stated Limbit.
The approach is to introduce and start kids to kick in futsal, graduate them to play at the school competition, and then to the Youth National Competitions. Once they are 18 and 19, they can crack the Premier Soccer League, the Premier competition on the PNGFA platform. When playing the PSL, they can be eyed to play in the Oceania Professional League.
This is the player pathway.
FUTSAL-SCHOOL COMPETITION-YOUTH LEAGUE -PSL -PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE
With OTML’s generous contribution of one million kinas, PNGFA is positioned to launch the anticipated school competition. The allocation of funds will be as follows:
- K150,000 to initiate the school competition.
- K100,000 for the Youth League. Introduction of Northern and Southern Teens to play in the PNGFA platform.
- K50,000 earmarked for branding, media, and publicity efforts.
In partnership with local educational institutions, PNGFA’s Technical, Competition, and Just Play teams will actively pilot the project across four primary regions: Southern, Northern, New Guinea Islands (NGI), and the Highlands.
This initiative will empower schools to manage and execute the competition under the auspices of PNGFA, ensuring a holistic development framework for young players.
Additionally, PNGFA will provide training and support for the sports teachers for each participating school, equipping them with essential skills in refereeing, coaching, and competition management. This will ensure the program’s sustainability and benefit all participants.
The OTML School Soccer Competition and Youth League will celebrate the talent and commitment of young footballers nationwide, as President Natto expressed: “We are delighted to partner with OTML on this significant initiative. Together, we aspire to enhance youth participation in football and promote the sport’s growth throughout Papua New Guinea.”
With OTML’s unwavering support, PNGFA is set to transform the youth football landscape within the country and inspire future generations to excel in this beloved sport. The K1,000,000 sponsorship will directly facilitate:
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The expansion of leagues and competitions for schools nationwide.
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The development and training of coaches to enhance youth engagement for sports teachers at the participating schools.
3. Resources for football academies and other developmental infrastructure.
In return, PNGFA will extend to OTML the following benefits:
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Exclusive naming rights, with leagues and competitions designated as the OTML Youth League, OTML Futsal Competition, etc.
- Branding exclusivity in and around the competition venues.
- Opportunities for OTML to conduct educational awareness programs for youth at playing venues and schools.
- Access to all competition venues.
- Competition officials will don OTML-branded attire on competition days to promote OTML.
- The display of OTML pamphlets, magazines, and other marketing materials for promotional campaigns.