World Footy News

Chicago has long been one of the stronger bases for Australian Rules Football in the USA. At times the growth of numbers there has been very encouraging, but as with many sports, politics can get in the road. A split emerged and a common way forward was not established. But in the past year there has been a convergence of ideas.

Part way through the 2004 season the two major clubs, the Chicago Sharks and Chicago Swans, put their differences aside and played as one side. They have also worked together to form a strong metro league, and now the clubs are officially merging. It is hoped that from this point forth, footy will grow in the state of Illinois through a well promoted and supported metro league, and a powerful Chicago squad to play in the MAAFL and US Nationals. The metro competition features four sides: the Bucktown Tigers, Hyde Park Hellcats, Lincoln Park Pirahnas and the Wrigleyville Rhinos.

Read more on the new Chicago Australian Football Association website, in the article Something stirring in the Windy City.