Kula Cup draws 28 teams as Alotau eyes stronger Kula FC squad

28 Teams from across Milne Bay Province have registered to compete in this week’s Kula Cup Tournament, an Alotau District–backed initiative aimed at strengthening Kula Football Club ahead of the next Premier Soccer League season.

The teams are drawn from at least three of the province’s four districts, reflecting growing interest in competitive football and broader regional participation.

Tournament patron and Alotau Member of Parliament Ricky Morris said the competition was created to expand talent identification beyond the Alotau Soccer Association, which was the primary recruitment base for Kula FC during its debut season.

“This season we selected players mainly from within Alotau,” Mr Morris said. “By hosting this tournament, we are bringing in other associations and talents from the seven LLGs of the district so selectors can choose from a much wider pool.”

Officials from the Papua New Guinea Football Association are attending the tournament, lending support to the Alotau Soccer Association, which recently became the 19th affiliate member of the PNGFA.

Kula FC endured a challenging first season in the Premier Soccer League, finishing outside the finals, prompting renewed efforts by the district to rebuild the squad and improve competitiveness in future campaigns.