The Mesa Football Association in Wain Erap Local Level Government in Morobe received sponsorship this week courtesy of Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen. The support worth K1, 000 came through the MPs officer who coordinates activities in Erap area. MPs officer who is also a Church representative and coordinates activities in Erap Mr. Erick Mantaung delivered trophies worth K1, 000 to host association officials on Monday at the playing field witnessed by participating teams and supporters. During the presentation Mantaung said the awards were from the MP as his support towards youths who participate in the weeklong tournament. “Your request was unofficial and was done within short period of time, but the MP has decided to offer his support with at least some form of support to occupy youths,” “This will be the third time for Mesa Football Association to receive support from our current MPs office.” “Two previous supports were given to senior divisions who hosted previous tournaments in the area. However, this current support is for the first time given to junior divisions,” “This shows the MP is committed in ensuring our youths are engaged in positive activities like sports to minimize social problems,” Mantaung said. The weeklong tournament started on Sunday and will end this Wednesday. It’s an under 20 soccer tournaments to engage students and home scholars at same age group during term four break. The association wanted to use this weeklong tournament to raise funds to help register with the country’s football governing body - Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) so that they can participate in any sanctioned tournaments run by the governing body in the country. The tournament commenced on the 10th of December and will end on the 14th of December. So far 16 clubs have registered with the association’s tournament. The teams are from within Erap zone in Wain Erap LLG. Tournament coordinator Ecchris Satibe said despite limited support from communities, business houses and other key stakeholders, they kicked off the tournament smoothly. “Only limited support came through district MP Hon. Theo Pelgen with awards for the teams,” “We are thankful that at least some form of recognition came through to support our youths to get us to where we wanted.” “We believe this is the healthy way to get our youths occupied with sports so that they are not engaged in unwanted activities.” “This is to minimize law and order issues in the area.” “We are calling on our councils president to come onboard and support this worthy cause initiative that will help minimize social problems,” Satibe said.