Father urges parents to attend schools’ Aussie rules matches

PARENTS have been encouraged to attend matches in the NiuKick schools programme with students a month into the competition at Port Moresby’s Murray Barracks Oval.
Father-of-two Walo Smith Matapere told The National that the turnout by parents so far was poor for the boys’ and girls’ divisions.
“I’ve been here since the competition started and I don’t see many parents getting involved,” he said.
“I am a guardian for the Saint Therese boys teams who come to play here on the weekend.
“I have two sons who play so I’m always around for their games.
“The idea behind the schools competition is great and I’d like to thank the people who come out every Saturday to set up the field and bring uniforms for the kids.
“I’d like to see more parents come and support what this development initiative for the kids.
“There’s only a handful of parents and teachers coming out every weekend but the numbers from the schools are always big.
“I see a lot of talent among these kids. It’s a great environment and a good habit they are teaching our kids to follow every weekend.
“This also helps them to network with teams from other schools.”
Meanwhile, organisers of the competition have commended schools for fielding their girls’ teams.