INDIGENOUS youth team the Flying Boomerangs have commenced their week-long tour in Papua New Guinea.

AFL Foundation chief executive Jason Mifsud is leading the tour, which includes two matches against an under-18 side in the towns of Port Moresby and Lae.

Papua New Guinea won the first game by just one point – 9.12 (66) to 9.11 (65).

The 23 members of the Flying Boomerangs will also conduct football clinics and take part in cultural exchange.

Mifsud said there is a cultural connection between Australian Aborigines, Torres Strait Islanders and the Melanesians of Papua New Guinea.

"The tour provides an outstanding sporting, leadership and cultural opportunity for young indigenous players," he said.

"The focus of the tour is to further develop the leadership qualities and experience of the young indigenous men."

The Flying Boomerangs is a personal development and leadership program that features a match series against an international developing country.

In 2006 and 2008, the series was played against South Africa.

After the tour, the teenagers participate in Certificate II of Indigenous Leadership, the only accredited leadership program in Australia.

The Flying Boomerangs squad was selected at the conclusion of July's annual Qantas AFL Kickstart camp.

Results of the first match played in Port Moresby:

Papua New Guinea under-18s (9.12 66) defeated Flying Boomerangs (9.11 65)

BEST
PNG: Kayne, Nicholas, Pena, Norman, Carbry
Flying Boomerangs: Ah Chee, McMasters, Crowe, Crook-Harrison, Wilson