THE K50,000 sponsorship by the Lae City Authority has breathe new life into the Lae Football Association, boosting the transformation LFA has set out to achieve.
Announcing the city authority’s backing as the competition’s major sponsor for this year, LFA president Ronald Ram told a recent congress meeting that the new leadership is committed to rebuilding the association and restoring confidence among members.
He told the meeting the new executive has plans to transform soccer in the city after overcoming major financial and administrative challenges.
He explained that his team had inherited an association with no funds when they took office in January.
Confirming the sponsorship, Ram told the congress that LCA has provided a K50,000 prize pool for competitions.
He described the sponsorship as a major milestone and a strong vote of confidence in the association’s new direction.
Ram also told the congress that the association expects significant growth from 2027 through continued support from the Lae MP and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, and through their partnership with the Lae City Authority.
Planned developments include improved football facilities, better-managed competitions and greater opportunities for clubs and players.
Ram said the executive had focused on restoring the association’s operations during its first six months in office.
The LFA successfully staged its preseason competition before launching the official 2026 season, which has attracted strong participation from affiliated clubs.
Financial management has also been a priority. Referee payments and field maintenance remain the association’s biggest expenses, but average weekend gate takings of about K2,300 have enabled LFA to meet its operational costs.
LFA had also improved its facilities by purchasing a lawn mower, restoring electricity, renovating the LFA office and repairing sections of the perimeter fence.
“The Improvements were important steps towards building a stronger and more professional football association despite limited resources.”
He thanked the executive, sponsors, clubs, referees, volunteers and supporters for helping rebuild the association and called on members to continue working together.
