PNG Rules Football Council secures major sponsorship deal

The PNG Rules Football Council has achieved a long-held ambition, securing a significant three-year sponsorship deal with Woo Textiles Corporation. The agreement, valued at "thousands of kina," represents the council's first major sponsorship since its establishment in 1974, fulfilling a decade-long dream.

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While we are involved with the manufacture of sportswear, we want to give something back to sport.

Leo Woo, Managing Director of the Port Moresby-based clothing manufacturer, announced the deal alongside council president Herea Amini. While the exact financial figure remains undisclosed, Woo indicated it could range from K10,000 to K20,000 annually, starting next year. This funding is earmarked for crucial development initiatives.

The sponsorship will directly support various aspects of the sport's growth, including coaching clinics, international matches, and the annual national championship. Additionally, it will fund the production of national team jerseys. The company has already committed K10,000 towards the PNG team's travel expenses for an upcoming match against Australia's Gold Coast on July 8.

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It’s a miracle. It’s a dream come true.

Woo, a former representative rugby league player himself, expressed his company's desire to "give something back to sport" and help build a strong foundation for the national body. Council president Amini described the sponsorship as a "miracle" and a "dream come true," emphasizing its potential to initiate "real development" in the sport.

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This is the council’s first major sponsorship since its formation in 1974.

Sales Manager Hetei Dickson of Woo Textiles stated the company aims to focus its resources at the national level to foster good sportsmanship and avoid creating issues among local clubs. The council plans to launch coaching clinics next year and anticipates the national championships will be enhanced by this new financial backing.

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Now we can do what we have been dreaming of doing. This is the beginning of real development.