Kina Bank presented a cheque of K70, 000 to the East Coast Football Club (ECFC) to support the club’s 2023-2024 School Soccer Carnival & Academy Program, and further support its Under-13 team that will be taking part at the Diamond League Tournament in Melbourne, Australia, in 2024.
Kina Bank PNG CEO Roppe Uyassi, while handing over the cheque, said Kina is happy to support the club as the Platinum Partner to help develop junior soccer and showcase some of PNG’s young soccer talents in an international tournament.
“Kina Bank is a strong advocate for the development of children and youth through education and sports and is proud to support the East Coast Football Club which reflects our commitment to the development of children and youth in Papua New Guinea,” Mr Uyassi said.
“We are also very happy to support an initiative filled with youthful energy and passion that promotes soccer, health and fitness and exposes our upcoming soccer talent on an international stage.”
ECFC Managing Director and President Shannon Andrew said having Kina Bank on-board further strengthens the club’s vision to help develop junior soccer in the country and showcase young soccer talent internationally.
“We are very grateful towards Kina Bank’s support as this will go a long way to further assist our School Soccer Carnival & Academy Program as well as give our Under-13 team a boost as we prepare them for the Diamond League Tournament in Melbourne,” Mr Andrew said.
In partnership with 6 schools in Port Moresby, ECFC this year successfully rolled out its inaugural ECFC School Soccer Carnival and Academy Program which saw more than 1,500 students, both girls and boys competing in Under 10 to 15 divisions.
Following the success of this year’s carnival, the club has selected its Under-13 team to take part in the Diamond League Tournament that will be hosted by the Magic Group in Melbourne from January 18th to the 21th.