A three-day Football Coaching workshop is being carried out in Goroka by the Papua New Guinea Football Association to bolster football development in the Member Associations in the region.
Cathy Agunam, the Women’s Football Representative to the PNGFA Executive Committee officially opened the program that will be running from Monday to Wednesday.
Thirty-five individuals including coaches, teachers, parents, and volunteers are brought together by the course in the effort to improve their knowledge competency in coaching.
The program, which comprises 18 comprehensive modules, has four main pillars: The Game, The Coach, The Player and The Training.
With each module blending theoretical learning and hands-on learning experiences, participants can develop a strong conceptual foundation as well as a better understanding of the practical application.
To reinforce learning and encourage reflection, participants are involved in framing sessions, structured learning blocks, and evening reviews.
Collaboration is another vital skill provided by the course. This is done through learning groups.
In addition, the workshop provides opportunities to develop coaching process plans and observe practical training demonstration under the guidance of expert facilitators.
The course is being delivered by Education Manager Harrison Kamake and National Youth Development Officer David Muta at the National Sports Institute.
Upon completion of the program, participants will have:
- Enhanced knowledge of youth football coaching principles and methodologies
- Developed practical coaching competencies through hands-on training sessions
- Created personalized coaching process plans applicable to their local contexts
- Networked with fellow coaches, teachers, parents, and volunteers from the region
- Gained exposure to quality match observation and referee procedures.
Upon completion of the course, the Goroka Soccer Association will host a Football Development Festival on Thursday 7th and Friday 8thth May 2026.
Targeting children aged 8 to 13, the festival serves as a platform for newly trained coaches to apply their skills in a real-world setting. It also offers young players the chance to showcase their talent within a structured, competitive environment featuring Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, and Under 13 divisions, alongside skills demonstrations and talent identification sessions.
This integrated three-day course and subsequent festival create a comprehensive development initiative for the Goroka Soccer Association. This effort reinforces the PNGFA’s strategic goals—championed by President John Kapi Natto—to realign football pathways for players, coaches, referees, and administrators across Papua New Guinea.
PNGFA extends its gratitude to Goroka Soccer Association President Coffman Alexander Manz and his executive team for their support in delivering this week's programs. In the coming months, the Technical Department will expand its reach to newly affiliated associations in Alotau, Vanimo, and Wewak.
