Lae City FC backs youth development
Lae City Football Club is preparing its Under-18 team for the national youth finals in Port Moresby, with the club focused on developing young players for senior football.
Team manager Dennis Kossie says discipline, commitment and the right attitude have contributed to the team’s performance and qualification for the finals.
The team will face opponents from the Southern Conference, with Kossie saying Lae City FC is determined to compete and give its best.
“Discipline is one of the many reasons that has produced the results. Without discipline and attitude, I believe the team won't achieve that result,” Kossie said.
He said the club’s youth development programme was important for building a strong future for Lae City FC, particularly as senior players eventually retire or become unavailable through injuries.
“Lae City FC is a club that is here to stay. Every time we get this development phase, the development players come inside,” he said.
Kossie said the team would not travel to Port Moresby simply to participate, but would aim to compete against the best youth teams in the country.
“We are not here to make numbers. We are here to compete. We are here to give our best,” he said.
He thanked the Papua New Guinea Football Association for providing a competition dedicated to youth players, saying it creates opportunities to identify talented footballers who could progress to higher levels of the game and potentially represent Morobe and Papua New Guinea.
Lae City FC has 28 players in its Under-18 squad. However, only 16 players and two officials will receive tickets through the competition arrangements.
Kossie said the club would help facilitate travel for the remaining players.
He also acknowledged the support of the club’s sponsors, including Lae City Authority, and called on Lae City FC supporters in Port Moresby to turn out and support the team during the national finals.
The club is aiming to use the tournament not only to compete for results but also to give its young players valuable experience as they work towards senior football.