World Footy News

Several weeks ago the Tokyo Goannas (of the Japan AFL) and Box Hill North (from the Victorian Amateur Football Association) announced the winner of their 2004 scholarship. As in 2003, it allowed a player from BHN to travel to Japan for about three weeks, to train and play with the Samurais, a University based side. It helps further build on the links established between BHN and the Japanese league. The following is from the Tokyo Goannas website.

The Goannas and Box Hill North are proud to announce that Nick Benbow has been chosen for the Scholarship to come to Japan in 2004. This is the second year of the scholarship and will follow the same criteria set out for Matt Cummings in 2003. The lucky recipient shares a portion of the financial burden with contributions of 40,000 yen each from Box Hill North (BHN) and the Goannas.

Nick will arrive November 5 and leave after the Japan AFL Grand Final. As with Matt in 2003, Nick will live with the Samurais, train with them-a grueling 4-5 days per week schedule-and play as a full member of the Samurais.

This was a very successful scholarship in 2003 and is playing a very important role in building ties between BHN and the Japan AFL. BHN has been a great supporter of football in Japan. BHN plays practice games against the Samurais when they tour Australia, hosts Japanese players who go to Australia to play, notably Taishi Tsukagoshi who spent a year in Melbourne playing on scholarship for BHN. In addition, BHN also visits Japan every year to be a part of the Narita Cup.