The Rookes Marine Pre-Season Tournament will officially kick off this weekend following the official draws held today at Laiwaden Oval in Madang.

The draw was conducted by the General Secretary of Madang Soccer Association, John Maripal, together with representatives of Rookes Marine. Mr. Paul Rookes, representing the major sponsor, picked team names to be placed into their respective pools for both the men’s and women’s divisions.

A total of 29 men’s teams has confirmed their participant and have been drawn into four pools, while nine women’s teams have also confirmed participation in this year’s tournament.

Rookes Marine, the major sponsor of the competition, has supported football in the province for the past 15 years. Mr. Maripal thanked the company for its long-standing commitment, describing this year’s competition as one of the biggest ever due to the increase in team participation.

“Rookes Marine has been with us for 15 years now. Thank you, Rookes Marine,” he said.

Mr. Maripal also acknowledged the support of the Madang Provincial Government and other partners, including BNBM and Sigma Construction, for their continued backing of football in the province.

After conducting the draws, Mr. Paul Rookes thanked the President of Madang Soccer Association, Mr. Siefried Beschel, and wished all participating teams well.

“Thank you to the President of Madang Soccer Association and the team. Good luck to all the participating teams,” he said.

Meanwhile, the selected players from the recent Madang FC trials will also feature in the tournament under two teams, Panu 1 and Panu 2. Their participation will allow the scouting team to further assess and identify the best players to join the final Madang FC squad to represent the province in upcoming competitions.

The tournament is expected to draw strong competition as teams prepare to battle it out when matches begin this weekend at Laiwaden Oval and end in two weeks' time.