The year 2007 has started on a positive note with an increase in funding from the AFL and an increase in support staff. The AFL has forged a partnership with Australian Volunteers International (AVI) to provide a National Football Operations Manager for AFLPNG over the next two years. The new operations Manager Peter Cates commenced in early February.

January/ February saw eight boys travel to Cairns to take part in the Queensland Country Kookaburra’s selection trials. Stannis Susuve, Ali Pinda, and John James were all successful in making the Queensland Under 18 Kookaburras team. All of the boys have remained in Queensland playing club football for 2007 under AFLPNG’s scholarship scheme.

Newly appointed AFL Development Coordinator for the Momase Region, Mr. Cornelius Papua (Connie) commenced work in Lae on the 01st of March. Rev Moses Kar was reappointed as Development Coordinator for the Highlands and continues his good work throughout that Region.

A number of Permanent and volunteer staff Appointments were made throughout March and April and AFLPNG now has a group of energetic and enthusiastic staff across the length and breadth of PNG.

As resources permit the size of this staff will continue expand and it is expected that Development officers in the Highlands, Momase Regions and Rabaul will be appointed in the near future.

AFL Academy of Sport. AFLPNG has formed an Affiliation with De La Salle Secondary School and formalized an Academy of Sport for AFL. Thirty boys from the school have been selected to take part in the program and these include two boys relocated from Kimbe and Kerema as part of an AFLPNG Scholarship Scheme. The long term aim is to have talented players identified from all over PNG and relocated to De La Salle as part of our Talented Player Program. The number of relocated players is only restricted by current funding levels.

The program includes weekly skill lessons by AFLPNG Staff, fortnightly weight and gym sessions at Taurama Leisure Centre and in school lessons on Nutrition, time management and goal setting.

U16 Binatangs. The U16 Binatangs played in their first Queensland State Championships at the beginning of May. Although playing at a higher level the boys played very well and after a couple of losses were able to adjust to the new level and defeated the Queensland Colts Team in their final game by 51 points.

Saveman Tour. The annual Saveman tours are conducted to take basic AFL coaching, umpiring and administration skills to the regions. This year the Saveman tour was held over the period 10 – 17 May and wee were lucky enough to have AIS AFL Coach Kevin Morris as a visiting lecturer for the tour. The tour was launched at Bavaroko Primary School with a donation of $2000 worth of AFL equipment to be used in the conduct of Saveman Courses. The equipment was donated through the Australian Sports Outreach Program by the Australian High Commissioner Mr. Chris Moraitis. The tour then commenced in two directions. Kevin Morris accompanied by Andrew Cadzow toured the Highlands and Lae Regions and Peter Cates flew to Buka and Kimbe. A number of teacher and volunteer introductory course in AFL were conducted in all areas. Overall a fantastic exercise which should be an annual part of AFLPNG’s Operational Plan. All four development regions look to have embraced our concepts and have endeavored to put in place good people and solid structures for the future.

U14 Binatangs. The inaugural under fourteen Binatangs tour to Brisbane and the Gold Coast was an educational experience, both on and off the football field, for the twenty five young PNG players that went down to Queensland. The players from all over PNG were able to mould together as a team and proved a formidable opponent to all teams the played. Their full report is in the Talented Player Pathway Section.