Touch Football seeks revival with ambitious five-year strategic plan
The Papua New Guinea Touch Football Federation (TFNG) is setting its sights on revitalizing the sport across the country with a new five-year strategic plan focused on grassroots development, technical improvements, and reclaiming regional dominance.
Speaking about the future of Touch football in PNG, a federation president Steven Kuimp acknowledged that while the sport faces challenges, the newly appointed executives are determined to make a significant impact within their four-year term.
“We don’t want to stay another four years and just exit. We want to create a difference, showing what we’ve done in this time,” Kuimp said during the launch on Saturday.
The plan prioritizes expanding Touch football to rural communities, starting at the district and ward levels, then reaching provincial and national stages. The federation aims to introduce the sport to provinces where it has not yet been played, with strong support sought from government and corporate partners.
Touch football’s accessibility is a key advantage highlighted in the plan.
“Anyone can play touch — you don’t need to be skilled. If you can catch and pass a ball and have a field, you can play,” the president explained.
Over the next three to five years, the federation will focus on raising playing standards and upgrading technical skills, particularly for referees and coaches. Currently, PNG lacks internationally certified referees accredited by the Federation of International Touch (FIT), a gap the federation plans to address by sending officials abroad for training.
A major goal is to build trust among the public and stakeholders, which the federation sees as crucial for sustainable growth.
TFPNG also intends to strengthen development pathways, starting from primary schools, to nurture talent into the national pool. This will provide opportunities for the best players to represent PNG at regional competitions like the Pacific Games and potentially the World Cup or Olympics.
“We want to send the best players and build a strong reputation,” the official said.
On regional competition, the federation acknowledges challenges posed by neighboring Pacific countries recruiting players from Australia’s Queensland region but is determined to establish strong networks and regain PNG’s status as a dominant force in Pacific Touch football.
Execution of the plan will begin with the upcoming championship in Alotau, where provincial associations will convene to discuss and implement development strategies. Provincial coordinators will be appointed to oversee regional programs, culminating in regular regional tournaments and a strong national competition structure.
The renewed focus on technical certification, grassroots growth, and competitive excellence marks a fresh chapter for Touch football in Papua New Guinea.