World Footy News

In further good news for the game in Papua New Guinea, the Brisbane Lions are exploring ways to further their role in the emerging footy country. Top Lions officials recently visited Australia's northern neighbour and were full of praise for the program. AFLPNG, the Australian Football League and Australian Volunteers International have also announced a new paid development position in the country, now open for applications, in the important role of National Operations Manager (a two year appointment).

The PNG Post Courier reports in Lions look to PNG that the Lions' Graham Allan and Craig Brittain visited Port Moresby with AFL Queensland's Andrew Cadzow (a major figure in PNG's International Cup campaign). As well as conducting clinics and trial games another key issue was settling administrative structures for the 2006 season. Throughout recent years a focus for all involved with AFLPNG is ensuring strong structures are in place for sustainable long term development, as well as providing talent pathways for the best juniors. Allan was quoted as saying "PNG has super kids who like to run and jump and all they need is the right formula and right competition for a good standard".

Brisbane are considering a Lions scholarship which would allow for a four week block training course as a start followed by establishing a scholarship with De La Salle High School and then a highschool in Queensland. Identified talents under the scholarship would have an opportunity to play in the Lions reserve grade.

Allan gave credit to local officers, Trevor Ila, Overa Gibson and Willy Yogomin for their effort in administrating the AFL programme. In a country where lawlessness had increased in recent decades, the AFLPNG's programs have received wide praise in its home country for its social development emphasis. In an article in The National the league was credited with a reduction in crime among youth in centres where the games are played at school level. "This was the parting word of senior AFLPNG development officer Willie Yogomin. Yogomin said AFL had turned many unwanted boys on the streets to become better people in their own communities. With strict guidelines, AFLPNG had witnessed a great reduction in spectator’s violence. There was minimum violence, respect and sportsmanship. Yogomin said the sports had a very successful lifestyle programme focused on junior development and making the game a family sport."

In other PNG news the Nationals will be held again in 2006 after a year-off with a heavy 2005 focus on the International Cup. This year's titles are scheduled for April 14 - 17 in Lae.

Another step forward for Australian Football in Papua New Guinea is the announcement of a National Operations Manager position, in conjunction with AFLPNG, Australian Volunteers International, AusAID, AFL Queensland and the AFL. The position is open to Australian and New Zealanders and some of the details of the position follow:

The biggest AFL International Development Market needs direction, leadership and management from a mature, self-motivated, flexible and committed visionary. The position is an AFL/AVI Joint Initiative. The successful candidate will receive PNG National Wages and Conditions for a 2 year appointment (commence May/June 2006). By committing to this position you will be making a significant contribution to the growth of AFL football and community development with Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea. A full assignment description & application forms will be available for download from Monday 13th February 2006 on the Australian Volunteers International Website.

Job Specification linked here

Full assignment description linked here

For further information contact:

Andrew Cadzow
AFL Queensland – Northern Region
Ph: (07) 3865 8700 or Fax: (07) 3633 0122