World Footy News

An article appeared in the Herald Sun called "Sheedy California Dreamin", in which the AFL legend was quizzed on his thoughts about several topics.

Among the comments, the new AFL ambassador expressed his desire to see the game promoted more in the USA, even talking up planning construction of an Aussie Rules stadium in Los Angeles similar to the recently completed stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Sheedy's comments follow his recent promotional tour to the States where he saw the growth of the game there first hand.

While there are three clubs with local metro footy leagues in California, it was the recent exhibition match between the Sydney Swans and Kangaroos which highlighted the need for a dedicated venue. Due to problems securing a venue, the UCLA's Intramural athletic field hosted a makeshift oval and temporary stands which accomodated a crowd of just over 3,000 people but had sold out weeks in advance.

The reduced capacity caused major problems in catering and there was allegedly a spectator safety issue preventing more patrons attending. These problems may have had something to do with the high costs associated with running the event and this year's proposed match between Geelong and Richmond in LA being cancelled. An AFL venue, which Sheedy recognises may take decades in the planning, would be a significant investment in the ongoing growth of the game in the USA.