By PNGFA Media

The Papua New Guinea U-15 Men’s National Team returned from the UEFA Development Tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, with a laser focus on player development and the promising future of football in the country.

While PNG finished 7^th overall in the nine-team tournament that included regional powerhouses like Solomon Islands and New Caledonia, the emphasis, according to Coach Marty Terry, remained firmly on nurturing young talent.

Coach Terry underscored that the UEFA-funded tournament’s core objective was player development, not solely match results. This crucial exposure provided invaluable insights for PNG’s young players (U-15) into the professional environment they can aspire to as they mature in their footballing journeys.

Furthermore, the tournament offered a tangible glimpse into the opportunities and experiences football can bring to their lives. The tournament brought together the best U-15 players from nine member countries: Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, New Caledonia, PNG, Samoa, and Vanuatu.

“The tournament is all about the development of players, officials, and those involved as managers or technical officials,” stated Terry, highlighting the holistic approach of the program. He expressed sincere gratitude to OFC and UEFA for hosting this vital tournament, which plays a significant role in developing the minds of young footballers in the region.

The exposure to a professional environment, international travel, and the intricacies of preparing for major tournaments are invaluable lessons for these budding athletes.

Coach Terry also noted the increasing skill levels observed throughout the tournament, signaling a bright future for football in Oceania.

He emphasized that the OFC U-15 Development Tournament, made possible through the UEFA Together program, has consistently prioritized creating crucial growth opportunities for the young talents who represent the future of football in the region.

This commitment to development over immediate results underscores a strategic vision for long-term success and a stronger footballing landscape for Papua New Guinea.

Photo Credit: OFC Media via PhotoTek