As part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Pacific Sports Program being carried out in Papua New Guinea (PNG) this week, ADF AFL coaches took sports training to Ted Diro Primary School, the local military school for Murray Barracks in Port Moresby.
Trooper Lachlan Ireland, one of the ADF facilitators, described it as an incredibly rewarding opportunity for those involved.
"There were about 400 kids, and they are very disciplined and skilful, and they were just really excited to see something new," said Trooper Ireland.
"We were very happy to see the kids. They got to kick the footy around and just have a bit of fun. It really lightened our day."
While the ADF Australian AFL visited Ted Diro Primary School, first aid and sports medicine training was being carried out at Sir John Guise Stadium. This built on the coaching and refereeing training completed for rugby league and touch football earlier in the week.
A first aid course included CPR, defibrillator use, and managing basic injuries like asthma and allergic reactions.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Alison one of the ADF Sports Trainer Facilitators said as part of stage two of the Sports Trainer Course, the focus will be on field behaviour, injury prevention and management.
"We will concentrate on the specifics of being on the field and preventing injuries," said Warrant Officer Alison.
One of the participants, Lieutenant Issac Ramson, a physiotherapist with the PNG Defence Force, attended the first aid course and the rugby league coaching and refereeing course. He was one of 8 PNG Defence Force members involved in the program.
Reflecting on the training, Lieutenant Ramson emphasised its relevance to his role at the military hospital at Trauma Barracks.
"The course has been really relevant to me and my current role," said Lieutenant Ramson.
"The practical skills I've learned will certainly help me in my work, and I'm grateful to be part of it," he said.
"It's exciting to meet other military members from Australia and get to know them.
"I like how we can work together to share knowledge. They have in-depth experience, and the content was very helpful."
Beyond medical training, participants engaged in coaching and referee courses, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship and community leadership.
"The coaching and referee course was very informative," Lieutenant Ramson said.
"It talked a lot about the values of sport and how to live by those values. It also emphasised being good ambassadors for the sports industry and our communities, which I think is really important," he said.
With further training sessions planned throughout the week, including Australian rules umpire training and ADF rugby league coaches joining the PNG Junior Kumuls development camp, the initiative continues to provide valuable skills and engagement opportunities ensuring a lasting impact.
