Papua New Guinea Football Association’s Just Play program has made its first appearance in Manus province last week on March 26, 2026.
Former PNGFA and Manus Football Development officer Richard Rapilla Sindol expressed his appreciation for the slow return of football to the maritime province.
He said, “this is the first ever in Manus’ football history to have PNGFA’s program (Just Play) introduced into Manus, targeting the age group of under 6 – 12 years olds.”
Sindol expressed that they have worked tirelessly to revive football on the Island of Manus with the newly elected Technical Director Andrew Marampau.
Marumpau invited PNGFA to Manus for capacity building coaches and now Just Play Program.
“Today the MSA under the new Executives of Philip Kulwaum has accepted the historical program that is long overdue for Manus,” Sindol said.
He said the interest is building and eventually the program will be rolled out into all schools.
“Because the program is very new and not yet introduced across Manus, there were many verbal interests. But practically speaking, the Los Negros LLG is very excited to be the key LLG to pilot the program,” Sindol added.
“They have all the necessary support from its stakeholders and Manus will see the outcome of Los Negros in the next 4 years if they do it well. They must promote this across all the schools in their LLG. Having said that, I can only say the interest will be very huge once participants are fully equipped with JPP equipment.”
The program rolled out with light activities including dribbling, passing, shooting, tunnel ball, running with the ball, healthy lifestyle, climate change indicators, discipline hands on head and more.
This gives the young children not only football skills but also provides them with knowledge to be aware of their surroundings.
Sindol was once a development officer with PNGFA and is glad to see and be part of the program as he looks forward to more of such program to be carried out in Manus Island apart from their focus on their elite teams.
He further stated that MSA must source funding to support technical departments to support this program in all schools.
