It was founded in 2017 after several clubs broke away from the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA), and ran alongside the National Soccer League as a rival competition.
[7] The following day, Kapi Natto declared that Hekari United, along with 11 of the 18 other associations affiliated with the PNGFA, would be pulling out of the upcoming National Soccer League season.
[9] After topping the Southern Conference and going through the season unbeaten, Hekari United won the inaugural NPL title after defeating Papaka FC 4–1 in the Grand Final.
[9][11] In August 2017, the FFPNG revealed they would be extending the following season's competition to the Highlands and the New Guinea Islands, to incorporate clubs from 'all four corners of the country'.
[15] According to a report published by ABC News Australia in January 2018, the political rift between the FFPNG and the PNGFA was showing 'no signs of healing'.