World Footy News

The Australian Football International Cup is the result of the initiative, drive and dedication of a hard-working group.

The Australian Football League has great pleasure in welcoming so many visitors from beyond our shores to the inaugural Australian Football International Cup.

Australian Football - our indigenous game - has been central to our way of life across Australia for more than 140 years but takes a giant leap forward now by promoting its small, but growing, support around the globe.

The Australian Football International Cup brings together participants from 11 countries who have not grown up with our game in Australia, but who have come to love its skill and to share its passion.

Each of the 11 competing countries - Canada, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, South Africa and the United States of America - represent thriving local AFL league and all the competing teams here will be composed entirely of home-grown players.

I wish to pay particular tribute to those who have led the International Australian Football Council for their unstinting efforts to see this concept finally take shape.

Marty Alsford, president of the IAFC, with both Will McKenzie and Brian Clarke, have played a leading role to turn this initiative into a fully-fledged international competition while Ross Smith and Ed Biggs, from the AFL, have worked to deliver this program.

The passion this group has shown for our game, and to expand its horizons, has been a worthy example for anyone who loves Australian Football.

The second and third Australian Football International Cups have been tentatively scheduled for 2005 and 2008, before the tournament could become a four-yearly event. To all the competitors, there is the obvious goal for each of you in reaching the final in the hope of tasting the delights of victory and to experience the special atmosphere of the Melbourne Cricket Ground - the home of the game - and to hold aloft the International Cup.

Equally importantly, football builds lifelong friendships and I trust this first Australian Football International Cup will be a memory that will long be cherished for all those involved.

Wayne Jackson
Chief Executive Officer