World Footy News

This big edition of Footy Shorts looks at Houli's debut, the exposure footy's global side is gaining on the AFL website and Pakistan's plan to send representatives to the EU Cup. It also takes a glance at the struggle football faces in Nauru, following the nation's withdrawal from the 2005 International Cup, and reveals that two AFL players are headed for the New York marathon.

Houli's determination has paid off - contributed by Ash

WFN has been following the young Muslim’s journey from the Under-18 National Championships to his drafting by AFL-club Essendon, and his first game with the club in the pre-season competition. Saturday week ago Houli made his debut with the seniors in the season proper, against the Kangaroos. He had a solid first game and even managed a goal, which secured the largest roar of the night. Showing that the kick wasn’t a fluke, he followed it up with two more against Brisbane the following week. Impressively, Houli brought along with him a strong band of family support, reported in the papers to be around the 300 mark. They were less reserved than your usual footy fans and after the game could be seen outside Telstra Dome's gates playing instruments, including what was reported as goblet drums (Arabic hand drum) - despite Essendon losing the match.

Nauru update - contributed by Ash

On to international stories and football news from the pacific island of Nauru has been scarce of late. They were an eleventh-hour withdrawal from the 2005 International Cup, and recent issues in the country, which lead to the premature end of last year’s season has been a cause for concern amongst some in the footy community.

Plans are underway for the 2007 season although it is yet to begin (it would usually commence in June), and before it can NAFA is trying to secure assistance in strengthening “local resources and infrastructure”. The AFL is aware of the issue and plan to deal with it “at the earliest convenience”. NAFA welcomes any support other businesses or football bodies can offer.

AFL Pakistan reps to EU Cup - contributed by Ash

The football situation in Pakistan has been quiet but persistent; but promisingly AFL Pakistan is planning to make its first appearance on the global scene, sort of. Three members are set to attend the EU Cup in Hamburg this year, to watch the competition, train with the teams and return to Pakistan with improved football knowledge to share with the locals. They are still hopeful of attending the 2008 International Cup, although the likelihood of this happening would have to be regarded as slim.

AFL HQ exposing footy's global side - contributed by Ash

Whilst the new layout for the AFL website was initially criticised, recent changes have been a boost for exposure of international Australian Football. Since its transformation there have been several articles present in the AFL HQ section that are relevant to either Aussie Rules globally, or its multiculturalism at home. One recent article looked at youngster Timas Harik and his family’s move to Australia from The Sudan and his progress playing football, something he adopted due to the high costs of joining a local soccer club. It is further support that skills learnt in other sports can transfer onto the football ground. Two other articles looked at the situation in South Africa, one dealing with Jason McCartney and the other with Michael Voss, in which the two ex-AFL players had nothing but praise for the effort and talent of the African youngsters they had dealt with. WFN will also continue to provide occasional stories to the AFL as part of striving to raise the profile of international footy.

AFL stars head to New York - contributed by Troy

Irish AFL star Tadhg Kennelly and his Sydney Swans team mate Jared Crouch will be heading to “The Big Apple”, home of the New York Magpies in November to compete in the world famous New York Marathon. The two will be promoting awareness of heart disease. In years past the two may have been recovering from the International Rules matches, but the GAA has indefinitely suspended the series.