OFC Just Play has headed into new territory in Papua New Guinea as the Motuan village of Vabukori in Moresby South welcomed the Grassroots football programme.

A traditionally volleyball-centric village, PNGFA Just Play Project Manager Micah Kaneng said he was pleased to see the Vabukori community embrace the programme which uses football as a tool to address social issues.

“The community has a reputation for being outstanding in volleyball but with the introduction of Just Play and football, I believe we could see a change in status,” Kaneng said.

The OFC Just Play Programme was developed and implemented by the OFC Social Responsibility department alongside key partners the Australian Government, New Zealand Government, UEFA Foundation for Children, Football Federation Australia and UNICEF.