Prospects of Popondetta in Northern Province establishing a recognized football association is on track following a visit by the PNG Football Association heads to the province over the weekend. PNG Football Association President John Kapi Natto and his Member Association Manager Stanley Khanna deliberated on the matter in a meeting with representatives from Northern Provincial Sports Office, Sohe and Ijivitari Districts as well as representatives of various football associations in the province. Mr Kapi Natto told the representatives that PNGFA is fully aware of various associations running competitions in the province but wants them all to enjoy the benefits of being an associate member of the national football family. “PNGFA is fully aware that there are two separate associations; the Popondetta Urban Soccer Association and the Higaturu Oil Palm Soccer Association (HOPSA) but we want to see both combine and form one association to be more accessible than dealing with two or more associations in one province,” Mr Kapi Natto said. He stressed that the PNGFA Executive Committee want to see that the national body is accessible to deliver soccer and want to deal with football in urban areas who can provide as link to other smaller association. “When we establish Popondetta Soccer Association, then all other smaller associations in Higaturu, Tufi, Kokoda and others can affiliate and become association member by paying their membership to Popondetta Soccer Association. “For instance, if Higaturu or any smaller association pay their affiliation fee of K100.00, the K50 goes to Popondetta for affiliation while K50 goes to PNGFA. Whatever benefits in coaching or referee courses Popondetta gets, it must invite all associates member to take part as they are part of PNGFA through their associate membership.” Northern Province is now the fifth province PNGFA has visited to try bring them back to football family. Meanwhile others who have already joined as associate members are Alotau in Milne Bay and Vanimo West Sepik while Kerema in Gulf and Wewak, East Sepik are yet to hold their meetings. PNGFA has four more associations to visit which include Jiwaka, Hela, ENB and New Ireland.