PNG AFF gearing up for tackle football programme

By SULI SULI
THE Papua New Guinea American Football Federation is gearing up to trial a tackle football programme, according to an official.
Federation president Timothy Jim said the programme would be trialled for five months from next month.
“We completed our flag football tournament few weeks ago,” Jim said.
“This month, we’re preparing to trial the tackle football programme.”
The trial is part of the federation’s preparations for next year’s South-East Asia Flag Football Championships.
“Tackle football is where players wear helmets, pads and all the necessary gear to play,” Jim said.
“We want the players to know the basics of American football to get them prepared for international tournaments.
“The trial will run from June to October.”
Port Moresby Flat Football League, the only active competition, recently ended its second season.
The league is preparing its players for the trial.
“We completed the season with the finals last month,” Jim said.
“Thanks to Digicel for the support in hosting the flag football season.
“We’re now getting things underway for the tackle football programme.”
Since its establishment in December, 2019, the federation has now added more than 30 playing members.
The game is slowly gaining momentum in Port Moresby, and is now reaching outside centres, including Lae and Kundiawa.
“Due to growing interest, we have development officers stationed in these centres,” Jim said.
“The federation is supporting them to recruit players and establish leagues in these areas.”
The federation is working closely with the PNG Sports Foundation to secure a venue for its programmes.