World Footy News

Western Australian Football League club the West Perth Falcons have sought out the Milwaukee Bombers to form a partnership that will allow them to promote themselves at an international level in the US. Importantly, the deal will see scholarship positions created allowing two Milwaukee players to undertake pre-season training with the club (who play in the professional state league feeding into the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers) and then stay on to play local football for the season.

The Bombers will benefit from football development assistance and coaching support from West Perth’s senior coach Todd Curley. Curley played 118 AFL games for Collingwood and Footscray between 1994 and 2001, and 147 games with West Perth in the WAFL.

To offset the loss of two players for the season the Falcons will look to recruit players from the West Perth region to play and assist in the development of footy in Milwaukee. Brett Cousins will be the first player to head stateside to assist in the Bomber’s 2006 season. He played 148 games for West Perth, played in their 1999 and 2003 premiership teams and was named in the back pocket in their team of the decade (which celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the club) in 2004.

This follows on from the Bombers advertising far and wide for an experienced Aussie to play with their club this year and also to fulfil coaching, junior development and club development responsibilities. In exchange the club would supply full-time work through a sponsor and billeting arrangements through one of its board members. See the original article here.

The following report appeared on the WAFL website here on Friday March 17th.

Former Premiership player Brett Cousins has been selected as the West Perth Football Club’s inaugural ambassador in a new partnership with US AFL Club the Milwaukee Bombers. The partnership, instigated by loyal West Perth supporter Tony Fairhead, provides a unique opportunity for the club to market itself at an international level.

The US AFL competition has one of the fastest growing participation rates on the international market, attracting a lot of interest in the American market place due to its high speed and physical nature. It is an enticing prospect for many Americans with natural athletic ability, who no longer have any sporting options once leaving the university system.

The partnership will see the West Perth Football Club assist the Milwaukee Bombers with the development of the game not only in their own state, but across the whole US AFL competition. Senior coach Todd Curley will provide coaching support to the Bombers and an exciting part of the partnership will be a scholarship scheme that will see Milwaukee send two players to the Falcons on an annual basis to take part in pre-season training and specialised skill sessions with Todd Curley. They will then stay on and play local football for the ensuing season.

Another part of the relationship will see the Falcons assist the Bombers in recruiting players from the West Perth district who are interested in playing football in the US AFL and are keen to develop the game amongst juniors as well as assist with promotional events.

"The club sees this an excellent opportunity to develop its brand in a market that is only going to get bigger and better. We are also extremely excited that the first player that will be heading to the USA under the scholarship scheme will be former dual premiership player and 148 game veteran Brett Cousins. Brett will be a terrific ambassador for the club and will provide excellent knowledge and skills to the Milwaukee coaching staff." commented West Perth Football Club, Chief Executive Officer, Ken Torrance

Cousins will depart in April to arrive in time for the commencement of the USA AFL season.