Papua New Guinea has never been short on playing numbers with a population bigger than New Zealand. But its developing status and the geographical challenges of the country continue to prove an obstacle for football development.

The focus in the past has mostly been regionalised with no recognised national league. An annual national club championship and a national association cup are the only competitions which keep the numerous Papua New Guinea Football Association affiliates in touch during the season.

The inauguration of the new PNGFA headquarters and national football academy in Lae last year has been a tremendous boost for the game and this has now made it possible for operations to be centralised thus allowing activities to be coordinated more successfully. The new base for PNG football passed its first big test in late 2003 when it coordinated the national club championship which was a huge logistical challenge, but one which was met.

Since the 2002 OFC Nations Cup, the PNGFA has steadily begun rebuilding by introducing youngsters through various national age group squads. While the results have not been all that desirable, the gradual learning curve and exposure will help create an experienced national team by the time of the OFC Nations Cup/World Cup Qualifiers in May. The team will be made up mostly from the national squad which went to the South Pacific Games and also from the recent Olympic men's qualifiers.

The PNGFA also looked to gain more experience to top level football for its elite players by sending them overseas. National reps Reginald Davani and Desmond Sow went to New Zealand with Davani appearing in the New Zealand national league in 2003. His younger brother Alex is based in Australia and was a standout for PNG in the national U-23 and U-20 sides.

Perhaps the real sucess over the past two years has been in the development of women's soccer. Port Moresby is where the strength of the women's code currently resides. But at last year's national women's club championship there was evidence the balance of power was becoming more even with good performances from clubs representing other associations.

PNG was the top placed island nation at the 2003 OFC Women's World Cup Qualifiers and also won the gold medal at the South Pacific Games. PNG is also preparing to host the OFC U-19 Women's Qualifying Tournament from 17-25 April.