The New Ireland Provincial Government has committed K100,000 to AFL Papua New Guinea to expand grassroots football programs and create more opportunities for young people through sport across the province.
Governor Byron Chan announced the funding partnership at Colts Oval in Port Moresby this week, saying the investment reflects his government’s commitment to youth development through sport, education and community engagement.
Under the agreement, K50,000 will support AFL development programs across New Ireland, while the remaining K50,000 will fund local competitions, coaching clinics, training sessions and community sporting events.
Governor Chan in a statement said Australian Rules Football has been part of New Ireland’s sporting culture for many years, and the provincial government wants to build on that legacy by reaching more young people.
“AFL is not a new sport to New Ireland. It has been part of our communities for many years and has produced talented players and passionate supporters.”
“What we are doing today is reaffirming our commitment to the next generation by investing in a program that is already making a real difference in the lives of our young people,” he said.
Governor Chan said organized sport teaches young people important life skills beyond the playing field.
“When our young people participate in organized sport, they learn much more than how to play a game. They learn discipline, teamwork, leadership, respect and resilience—qualities that prepare them for life beyond the sporting field,” he said.
He said the investment also reflects the growing partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, where sport has become another avenue for strengthening cooperation alongside education, defense, labour mobility and economic development.
AFL PNG Chairman Ekonia Peni welcomed the provincial government’s support, describing it as a strong endorsement of sport’s role in building stronger communities and developing future leaders.
Mr. Peni said AFL PNG’s development programs have already engaged more than 2,000 children in New Ireland through its Smart Start Niukick and Youth Academy programs, promoting healthy lifestyles, teamwork and personal development.
He said about 100 young people are progressing through AFL PNG’s academy pathway in the province, while 20 accredited academy players continue to receive advanced coaching through the organization’s elite development program.
“These numbers demonstrate that AFL has become much more than a sport in New Ireland. It is helping young people build confidence, develop life skills and pursue opportunities that extend beyond the football field,” Mr. Peni said.
He said the additional funding would enable AFL PNG to expand its programs into more schools and communities while strengthening pathways for aspiring players.
Mr. Peni also encouraged other provincial governments to consider similar partnerships, saying investment in grassroots sport contributes to healthier communities and brighter futures for young people.
Governor Chan said the AFL PNG partnership complements the New Ireland Provincial Government’s broader development agenda, which places youth at the center of the province’s future.
“Whether it is through education, business, skills training or sport, our responsibility is to give our young people every opportunity to succeed. We are investing in their future because they are the future of New Ireland,” he said.
The partnership is expected to increase youth participation in Australian Rules Football, strengthen community engagement and provide more opportunities for talented young New Irelanders to progress through AFL PNG’s development pathway.