World Footy News

AFL PNG has appointed Peter Cates from Adelaide, as the new national operations manager. This appointment will certainly strengthen efforts and programmes already in place with junior development to develop a locally sourced PNG player to the AFL. 

Fifty-two-year-old Peter Cates has a two year contract. Having been a Lieutenant Colonel with the Australian army who first came to PNG in 1974 to map the country with the army he has a broad knowledge of the country. He has been involved with Aussie Rules for 30 years - first as a volunteer and recently as the AFL Australian regional manager in Canberra and therefore has a wealth of experience that will help develop the game among junior PNG players to another level.

Key responsibilities will include travelling around the country and visiting AFL PNG centres and working closely with their regional development officers and the young children involved in the program.

He is quoted as saying in the PNG's Post-Courier online that “My aim is to develop the game at the grassroots level and see many young school children playing the game, and at the same time, see parents getting involved and supporting their kids,” Cates said. He said the AFL junior programs currently run in the country were excellent and gave a big rap to the junior representative sides Binatangs and Kurakums.

“It good to see that boys and girls are getting involved at an early age and playing at the highest level,” he said.

He said his other aim during his two terms was to look at spreading the game across the country.

“Also looking at increasing the game avenue across the country from Buka to Kerema,” he said.

“Get more children involved and concentrate on their first few years because that’s the stage where they start developing their natural skills,” he said.

With his extensive knowledge of football and PNG and being heavily involved in PNG’s recent Girl’s football team tour and the National Championships he appears ideally placed to continue to take the game forward in Australia’s closest neighbouring country.

Courier Mail article:  http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20070208/sport03.htm

AFL PNG:  www.afl-png.com