AFLPNG looks set to roll out schools programme

AFL Papua New Guinea (AFLPNG) is looking to roll out its schools programme (Niukick) and junior competition this week after having their Covid-19 protocols approved last week. AFLPNG Southern development manager David Topeni told The National that AFL was among 30 sports with approved protocols awaiting approval to kick off their activities.
“We’ve received confirmation that our back-to-sports protocols were approved and we’re expecting to get our development programme running this week,” he said.  “AFLPNG, which is the game’s development body, and PNG AFL Commission, the game’s governing body, will be working this week to secure approval to move ahead with our competitions and programmes. “It’s important that we follow the procedures that are set by the PNG Sports, so that we can carry out our work again this year.” Topeni said the schools programme would see the inclusion of a junior competition which would run alongside the senior competition. “We’re planning a junior competition for the schools that will be part of this year’s calendar, so that they can at least have an avenue to apply the skills that we’ve thought them,” he said. “The competition won’t be as long as our regular competition. “It will be at least six to eight weeks long, given the time we have left to plan for this year.” The schools programme last year saw Lae and Port Moresby host weekend sessions for its participants with friendly matches following the end of the initiative.