World Footy News

The second Australian Football International Cup will provide lifelong memories.

The Australian Football League is delighted to welcome visitors from all parts of the world to the second Australian Football International Cup.

The inaugural International Cup, held in 2002, saw 11 countries compete, with Ireland emerging victorious in the final at the birthplace of our game – the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

I am delighted to welcome Spain as part of the small but growing number of Australian Football competitions around the globe.

This tournament brings together participants who have not grown up with our game in Australia, but who have come to love its skill and share its passion.

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

I would like to congratulate our Game Development Department, under General Manager David Matthews, for the work in ensuring this tournament would take place and, in particular, the role of AFL Community Development Manager Ed Biggs as tournament organiser.

The first tournament was the culmination of a long-held dream by many, both within Australia and around the world, to grow our game and the on-field commitment of the teams matched any you would see in this country.

To all the competitors, there is the obvious goal of reaching the final in the hope of tasting the delights of victory and to experience the special atmosphere of the MCG – the home of the game – and to hold aloft the International Cup.

Equally importantly, football builds lifelong friendships and I trust the 2005 Australian Football International Cup will provide memories that will long be cherished for all those involved.

Andrew Demetriou
AFL Chief Executive Officer