World Footy News

We've previously reported on the upcoming Canadian Nationals and the problem that only Ontario-based clubs look set to attend - see Inaugural Canadian Nationals planned but something is missing. Nevertheless, a big tournament is expected next weekend and it could be the start of a long and successful tradition. The following is a press release from AFL Canada.

On May 16th and 17th, 2009, the first ever annual Australia.com Canadian National Championships of Australian Rules Football, sponsored by Tourism Australia, will be held in Toronto, Ontario.

The tournament will see 8 Australian Rules football teams from across Canada competing over the weekend at Humber North College from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday the 16th and Sunday the 17th. It will be a weekend for all to enjoy – we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities and see our athletes in action. It will be an opportunity for both Canadians and Australians living in Ontario to have fun supporting the mix of Canadian and Australian players, have something to eat and even get involved with the junior football clinics available for kids of all ages.

“We are excited to be able to showcase the development of Australian Rules football here in Ontario. It is Australia’s national sport and has something that appeals to everyone as it brings the physical contact of Hockey, the ball skills of soccer, Gaelic football and rugby all together for one fantastic sport” says Brendan Bell, coordinating member of the OAFL.

Tourism Australia is the major sponsor of this year’s National Titles as it’s coinciding with G’day Toronto – an exciting week of events in Toronto that will showcase Australian sport, culture, food, wine, top Aussie vacation ideas and celebrate the close business links between the two great countries. Australia week will be running in Toronto from May 12-16th.

Mr. Bell said “it is a privilege to host the first ever National Championships here in Toronto and it gives us great pride to celebrate a sport that has been played in Canada since 1989. The OAFL has been growing rapidly over recent years and we are getting stronger with each year. It is an additional bonus to have Tourism Australia support this event; we are very honoured to have them on board with us for the first year that this event is running and are proud to have the Championship named after their website”. Australia.com is Australia’s official tourism website.

We are encouraging everyone to come walkabout during Australia week and partake in all the events. For more information on Australia week, please visit www.australia.com. For information on the Australia.com Canadian National Championships of Australian Rules Football, please visit www.aflcanada.com.