ADF Partnership Bolsters PNG Sporting Future
Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) sporting community is set to benefit from enhanced training, accreditation, and development opportunities through the Australian Defence Force (ADF) International Sports Program.
Running from 3 – 8 March 2025, this initiative includes visits to local schools and provides Level 1 coaching, referee training, sports trainer certification, first aid, healthy lifestyle education, and strength and conditioning programs-delivered in partnership with the NRL, AFL, Sports Medicine Australia, and the Federation of International Touch Football.
Training will be led by ADF and internationally accredited experts to ensure participants receive globally recognised qualifications.
Building on the successful training delivered in July 2023, this expanded program will further develop coaching, officiating, and sports medicine expertise, strengthening PNG’s sporting capacity and creating long-term opportunities for local athletes, coaches, and officials.
“This program is about empowering PNG’s sporting community with the skills and qualifications needed to support and develop the next generation of athletes,” said, Leading Aircraft Woman Amanda Crowley who is one of the Touch Football Coaches on the program.
“By providing internationally recognised training and accreditation, we’re not just building capacity-we’re creating a sustainable future for sport in PNG,” she said.
This initiative supports PNG’s growing rugby league, AFL, and touch football communities, while aligning with the Pacific ‘Step-Up’ objectives to strengthen regional partnerships.
The program’s school visits will engage young people and promote positive sporting values, ensuring that coaching and training expertise reach PNG’s future sporting stars from an early stage.
“By delivering expert training in first aid, injury prevention, and strength and conditioning, we’re ensuring PNG’s athletes can perform at their best while staying safe and healthy,”
added Leading Aircraft Women Amanda Crowley.
“Rugby league, AFL, and touch football are thriving in PNG, and this initiative plays a crucial role in supporting that growth,” said program participant Maria Arosa who resides in Lae.
“By enhancing coaching and officiating standards, we’re ensuring these sports continue to develop at all levels, from grassroots to elite competition,” she said.
Maria has been coaching and refereeing for over 20 years and she said she learnt about this week’s course from teammates.
“The accreditation we get from these courses is really important for us as it gives us credibility when we go back to our local clubs,” she said.
“You can’t underestimate how important sport is in PNG, it brings communities together and keeps youths out of trouble.”
“This program is an incredible opportunity for our athletes, coaches, and officials. It not only enhances our skills but strengthens our sporting capacity and builds lasting connections,” she said.
This initiative is part of the Australian Government’s long-term commitment to sustained sporting engagement in PNG, reinforcing the role of sport in community development, youth engagement, and regional cooperation.
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2025-03-04/strengthening-pngs-sporting-future-through-adf-partnership