World Footy News

Rob Nisbet, one of the organisers of the Barassi Youth Tournament 2008, has sent us the following press release. The Barassi Youth Tournament (BYT) calls for more international youth teams! Along with the AFL's senior cup, 2008 will see the fifth international Barassi Youth Tournament take place in Canberra. The BYT is an international schools (16-year-old) non-elite Aussie football competition. The Tournament is organised by a non-profit incorporated association in the ACT. Over the years (1998, 2001, 2003 and 2006) youth teams from the United States, South Africa, Denmark, Samoa, Nauru and New Zealand have competed against invited Australian teams from the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory (Kormilda College) and Western Australia. Yes playing Australian football!

BYT president, Mark Cloney said: "The vision of the BYT is to be a catalyst and vehicle for the growth of Australian football internationally at the school youth level, and to enhance cultural exchange between participants". The tournament is scheduled for Canberra in the first week of October 2008, a date chosen to fit in with the AFL's 150-years celebrations and the NAB national Draft Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport. Cloney said: "So far we have had expressions of interest from the US, PNG, NZ, and the UK, but we want more teams! What a way to celebrate 150-years of Australian football with an international youth tournament in Australia".

Cloney said: "Like all volunteer organisations the BYT is still looking for a potential 'naming right' sponsor for this unique tournament". Please visit our web site at www.barassiyouthtournament.asn.au and catch-up on the latest developments, contact information and possible sponsorship opportunities. International schools interested in participating in next year's event can click here to download the Barassi Youth Tournament pdf which has all the tournament's details (available on the AFL's web site).