World Footy News

WA Country Football has been at the forefront of developing relationships between the US and Australian football communities. In 2007, WA Country had two representatives at the USFooty Nationals including General Manager Cameron Knapton. WA Country has also worked closely with USFooty’s Tony Fairhead to place St John University “Johnnies” in country footy teams after they finish their footy bootcamp while on exchange to Notre Dame University in Perth WA. Now they're taking things one step further, with an off-field role for an American student.

This year, WA Country has brought in a student, Jacqueline Theiler from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (this author’s Alma mater – Go Big Red!) to work as an intern. Theiler is on study abroad at Murdoch University. WACFL general manager Cameron Knapton, who attended the 2007 US AFL national championship in Louisville, Kentucky, said he was very excited that Jacqueline had agreed to join his team for five months. “We are working closely with USFooty to assist with the expansion of the game in the States and this internship is another way students, whilst abroad, can have contact with our great game”, said Mr Knapton.

Jack, as she is now called, is pretty excited about the chance. “I am excited about the opportunity to work at not only the elite level, but also the grass roots level of an amazing Australian sport,” she said.

“Last night (March 11, 2008) I was invited to attend the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to really see how the game changes lives and creates a sense of community and belonging for so many people. From the moment I got there I was welcomed into the AFL family like I had been a lifelong member. As I watched the ceremony and saw all of the wonderful accomplishments the inductees had made not only as players but as also as coaches, media personalities, and great leaders I saw what the AFL is really about: contributing no only a couple of years to something but dedicating a lifetime to an institution that instills values and morals in a person that they will need forever. A couple of the inductees even took the time to talk to me and genuinely cared about my newfound interest in the sport. It was an experience of a lifetime and one I will never forget.”

Jack is also looking to play and may put on a “Yankaroo” jumper.

Jacqueline with AFL General Manager of National and International Development, David Matthews