The AFL Highlands Region includes the Provinces of Eastern Highlands, Simbu, Western Highlands, Enga, Southern Highlands, Madang, Saundaun, East Sepik.

This Region is a major growth area for AFL PNG. We have strong programs running in the urban centres of Goroka and Hagen and the recent Saveman Tour discovered a strong interest in Kundiawa. We see the growth potential in this part of PNG as unlimited provided we can access resources.

The difficulties of communication and transport in this Region are certainly a challenge but we have already seen the talent from these areas coming through.

HIGHLANDS REGION: 2009 REPORT

AFL Junior Development in the Highlands has been progressing slowly in the last couple of years due to its mountainous terrain and other geographical features of the region. However, the geographical features of the region did not stop the junior development in the region completely. This report indicates the difficulties and the achievements of the AFL Junior program in this region.

AFL Junior program in the Highlands started in 2003 with four centers [Hagen, Kera Doa, Goroka, & Daulo], but since then only Mt Hagen has been running the Junior program successfully up until now. However, I have been allowing four kids each from all divisions from Goroka to team up with the Highlands Lions for the Nationals held in Lae over the last two years.

2009 PROGRESS

Goroka could be one of the best AFL centers in the Highlands only if we had a good committed volunteer and an oval for the kids to play on. I have identified people in Goroka but they are not committed and the program has come to a stand still. Furthermore, I have not been visiting Goroka because funding is not made available for me to travel this year. I don’t know what is happening in Goroka. Anyway, I am planning to travel to Goroka to identify couple of kids in each division for the Nationals. While in Goroka, I will check the National Sporting Institute for the National Talent Camp in December.

Mt Hagen has been the AFL core centre in the region in the last couple of years. This year I have taken on the "bemobile" school competition concept and organized in such away that the games played among schools.

There are seven teams in each of the U13 & 15 boys division:
Newtown Jets, Newtown Lions, Hagen Bombers, Tarangau Eagles, KGD Crows, Trinity Swans, Tega Tigers

In the Girls division we have six teams:
Trinity Swans, Hagen Bombers, Tarangau Eagles, Hagen Secondary, Tega Tigers, Newtown

U17 boys division we have four teams:
Newtown, Trinity swans, Tarangau Eagles, Hagen Bombers

Estimated 810 children play every Saturday in the "bemobile" school competition.

Holy Trinity Teachers College has been assisting the local competition by allowing AFL to us its field for the last four of years for the junior program. We have been using bamboo sticks as post but recently with the help of Hagen Club Members, Wagi Valley Transport donated eight posts for the field. However, two posts were stolen after four days; matter has been reported to the local police. The college principal is also doing his own investigations.

"In the mud" - the Mt Hagen U15 Boys

VISION 2010

Year 2010 would be very busy year for me in the Highlands Region. I have received couple of letters from interested centers in the Highlands who really want to organize their local schools for the game of AFL. Letters of interest sent from Jiwika area, and Hagen North both in the Western Highlands Province. Also planning to revive the Enga Province program, which started in 2005 when Scott Reid was in the country. Still need to re-organize Goroka so that the program is well supervised by someone local.

Hagen North would have the following schools, Ogelbang Primary, Kelua Primary, Wibika Primary, Kiribual Primary, and Yamika Primary. Jiwaka will have schools around Banz town area, Banz Elcom Primary, St Angelim Primary, Fatima Primary, and Fatima Secondary. Both centers will have six teams which they will have four division each [ u13, 15, girls, 17] and will have a total of 24 divisions and grand total 48 divisions from both centers, about 1200 kids will be involved in the program from these centers. The program is subject to financial approval by the AFL PNG Board.

STAFF

I am the only fulltime staff for AFL PNG in the highlands since the program. However, I have couple of loyal assistant or volunteers who come every weekend and afternoons to train umpire, and control the games and the kids. My long time volunteers are Andrew Taligapua and Agnes Wai both teachers plus couple of young men Pint Kar, Nathan Taligapua and Greg Aki.

The Board needs to approve one more staff for the Highlands on fulltime basis I need a fulltime staff to assist with the Highlands program. If Goroka, Hagen North, Jiwaka and Enga programs start next year, then I need to travel a lot to supervise, and need someone in Mt Hagen to control the games.

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2009

The Highlands regional Championships were held on the 18 – 19 July under wet conditions. However this did not stop the kids from playing but we all enjoyed the two day tournament. Mesa was sent up by Walter to assist me and was accommodated at the village. Walter sent me K1700.00 to host the regional as per budget sent, however trophy money was not sent so I had get money from transport allocation to purchases the four trophies.

We had people from Anglicare for HIV AIDS and Mrs. Pauline Stagmen from the Justices department and a Senior Magistrate who talked about Drugs and Juvenile Courts. She was also Guest at the closing ceremony to present the Trophies and other prizes.

Highlands Presentation with Mrs. Pauline Stagmen

In the U13 boys division Mt Hagen One came out the champions after defeating Mt Hagen Three, and in the Girls division Mt Hagen One defeated Mt Secondary School. With the U15 boys division Mt Hagen One became the champions defeating Mt Hagen Three. And U17 Hagen Rural defeated Hagen One to be the champion team for 2009.

The Highlands teams for the National Championships have been selected for all divisions. Former Binatangs and Kurakums have been engaged to coach the divisions.

Finally thank AFL PNG for the support this year.

Moses Kar
Highlands