Local AFL games in Nauru - played on the gravel ground. (file image) Photo: AFL Nauru
Young Australian Football League (AFL) or Australian rules football players from the Pacific region will converge in Cairns in September for the AFL Pacific region Under-17 Pacific Nations Challenge.
Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Fiji, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Tonga have been invited to comepte at the event, the AFL said in a statement.
They will compete against Cairns Lions, the Cape York and Torres Strait Crusaders in both boy's and girl's competitions.
Games will be played over three action-packed days at a variety of venues across Cairns, including Cazalys Stadium, Buchan Street Oval and Watsons Oval.
Player selections have been made through the AFL Pacific High Performance Pathway Program.
Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Fiji, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Tonga will compete at the event next month. Photo: AFL Nauru
AFL said the three-day challenge is expected to be a fusion of culture, with Pasifika countries having the opportunity to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Cape York and Torres Strait Crusaders teams will feature players who board at the AFL Cape York House for boys and girls, who are from remote parts of Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait.
The Cairns team will comprise of players from the region.
AFL Queensland and International head Trisha Squires said it will be a fulfilling weekend.
"We are thrilled to host the invited Pacific nations in Cairns for the Under 17 Pacific Nations Challenge," she said.
"We have genuine talent in these Pasifika nations and through our high-performance pathway program, we want to provide opportunities for these players to showcase their ability and commitment to the game."
She said players will be able to connect with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, with many of the players coming from remote communities in Far North Queensland, the Torres Strait and Cape York.
"I have no doubt it will be a wonderful celebration, with all cultures connecting around their shared loved of our great game, Australian rules football," she added.
Cape York programs manager Rick Hanlon said this event was created following the success of last year's U16's Tri Series in Cairns.
That involved the Cairns Lions, Cape York and Torres Strait Crusaders, plus the touring PNG teams.
"The event was a huge success and the first of its kind here in Cairns," he said.
"The series provided a much-needed pathway for our participants and we are delighted to again partner with the AFL International team and the Pacific Nations to bring this unbelievable event to fruition."
AFL Cairns/Cazalys Stadium general manager Craig Lees said the event will help grow the sport in the region.
"This series is more than just matches, it's about connection, opportunity and pride," he said.
"Each nation involved can take pride in the role they've played in making it happen. It's a credit to the collaboration and hard work of so many organisations that it's grown from last year into something even more impactful.
He said the players travelling from overseas to run out onto Cazalys Stadium will be something they will never forget.
"It's one of the country's best surfaces, the same ground that hosts elite AFL and international cricket, a surreal and inspiring moment for these young people."
The final fixture and confirmed teams will be released closer to the event in September.
