World Footy News

A while back, we caught up with Gavin Mahoney - AFL London's first fulltime employee, focused at growing footy in and around the capital in England. This month, we speak to Rick Shrowder, employed by Aussie Rules UK to support the leagues outside the city in regional England.

With established leagues in the South and North-East of England, along with new clubs forming to grow a Northern league, Rick's territory is a lot more spread-out and without the large population of Australians present in the capital who can help bring that initial level of experienced enthusiasm. The regional game is based around 9-a-side teams, utilising existing facilities such as rugby posts and pitches to make the beautiful game accessible to a wider audience.

What is the focus of your role?

I see two main parts to my role. Firstly, my aim is to introduce the people of England’s North East to Aussie Rules football. The second is to support the current teams that we have and assist them in becoming more established.

How is the job financed?

Sport England are financing my position at the moment.

What is your background in footy?

I grew up in Adelaide playing footy all through my life until I came over here 10 years ago. I played junior football at Norwood FC as well as a handful of reserves games. I was also part of the South Australian Commonwealth Bank Cup team in 1994.

How long have you been doing the job?

I have been in this role since September 2008.

What would you say are the most significant achievements and/or milestones reached so far?

We have two new teams in the Northern League for this season, Sunderland Clippers and Gateshead Miners will be joining the Newcastle Centurions, Durham Saints, Hartlepool Dockers and Middlesbrough Hawks. To help these teams move from being a group of blokes who have a kick and a catch through the summer to self sustaining clubs. This is particularly satisfying.

I have also introduced over 1000 kids from over 25 schools to the sport and to see how much both the students and the staff have enjoyed it has been fantastic.

What challenges have you faced in the position?

Convincing schools and sports organisations of the the benefits of Aussie Rules whilst hasn’t been difficult once they’ve seen the game first hand, has been challenging to get to that point. It’s been a challenge that I thoroughly enjoyed and still do.

What are your objectives for the upcoming season and the year ahead?

I’d like to see more schools introducing Aussie Rules to their students. I would also like to see each of the Northern Clubs increase their membership and further establish themselves in their local community.