It’s well documented that AFL Indonesia are one of the leaders in the local development space and have raised the bar at the recent Jakarta Bintangs AGM, with local youngsters Michael Latupeirrissa appointed as the Bintangs first Indonesian Director of Development, whilst Alfie Giles has become the youngest committee member in the club’s history.
Despite being only 22 years old Michael has represented the Indonesian Garudas at the 2014 & 2017 AFL International Cup, was part of the Garudas victorious All-Asia Cup team in 2016, is an AFL Asia Lions representative and received All-Asian honours at the 2019 Asian Champs.
Youthful exuberance will be a useful tool at attracting new local teenagers to the game in Indonesia and young Alfie Giles displays plenty of it and maturity beyond his years as a 14 year old! Alfie is son of club legend and current Bintangs President Ben Giles and will be a brilliant addition to the Bintangs committee.
Over in Cambodia, Sophoan Peou, AFL Asia’s first Asian born accredited female umpire has joined the Cambodian Eagles committee for season 2021 as their Local Development Officer, which is fantastic for the passionate Cambodian Apsaras player.
Meanwhile, Steven Diep will continue in the same role for the Vietnam Swans for a third straight season. As a player Steven leads by example and was an Indochina Bulldogs representative in the 2016 All-Asia Cup, an AFL Asia Lions representative back in 2019, is a former Treasurer of the Swannies and has tasted multiple success in the club’s AFL Asia Indochina Cup reign.