LEAVING BEHIND A LEGACY
world-beaters. “We will use the tournament to promote gender equality,” says Powes
“We will use the tournament to promote gender equality.”
Parkop, Governor of the National Capital District, Port Moresby. Adds David Chung,
Powes Parkop
However, there is so much more to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup than providing young players with their first assessment of how they rate against other potential
President of the Papua New Guinea Football Association: “It is envisaged that through the hosting of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, women can be inspired and empowered to tackle the gender prejudice and discrimination that exists in a country like Papua New Guinea.” The aim is to leave behind a legacy and improve opportunities for women to progress through the sport, from children’s to youth to adult teams. In the run-up to the tournament, a course for national women’s league coaches was held in Papua New Guinea by Italian coach Carolina Morace, who was impressed by the ambition displayed by everyone who took part: “When I asked them if they wanted a break they preferred to keep going! They asked me so many questions.”
The Live Your Goals programme, which is aimed at inspiring young girls to play and take an active part in football, was also launched in the country. Some 200 girls attended the kick-off event, with five more events due to be held this year. “We are working
Great expectations David Chung, President of the Papua New Guinea FA, with the U-20 Women’s World Cup trophy. Mascot Susa is also counting down the days to kick-off.
closely with the different regions and communities, to ensure that we take the game of football to as many young girls as possible, while ensuring sustainable development,” says Margaret Aka, who is coordinating the legacy programme. Working closely with the host country and promoting the game are FIFA’s objectives for every women’s tournament. The final of the U-20 Women’s World Cup will take place on 3 December. Germany will be looking to retain the title that they won two years ago in a thrilling match against Nigeria, with the only goal coming in extra time. For the girls and women in Papua New Guinea, however, the football adventure will just be starting: the experience will help LOC (2)
them to grow and prepare for the future with confidence.
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