World Footy News

AFL Britain has named a new Head Coach and Assistant Coach for the Great Britain Bulldogs, to prepare for and contest the upcoming International Cup in 2011 and beyond. Since the initial event in 2002, the Bulldogs have developed steadily and have been recognised as one of the stronger European teams and equal 9th in the world according to the 2008 World Footy News rankings. Now the new coaching pair have the task of taking the squad to the next level, to compete with the increasingly professional approach apparent in such teams as Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and South Africa.

Head Coach - Mark Pitura

Mark comes to the role with a wealth of experience in the game. After a distinguished playing career including Richmond, Essendon Reserves and Collingwood, he has been an integral part of turning the Putney Magpies into serious contenders in the AFL London leagues. A hallmark of his years in charge is the fantastic development of the club's domestic players, 8 of whom travelled with the Bulldogs to the 2008 International Cup, more than any other British club.

An experienced sports player, coach and qualified teacher, Mark has demonstrated proven ability to get the most out of the players in his charge, to develop their ability and attitudes in the right direction and will relish the challenge of taking his coaching into the international arena.

Assistant Coach - Rob Fielder

As Mark's experience points towards a fantastic background in footy, then Rob's reads as the perfect support to have in the Assistant Coach's role. Most recently, Rob has been instrumental in the development of the Swindon Devils and Chippenham Redbacks in England, then graduating into the role of Head Coach of the England Dragonslayers, integral to their victory in the 2008 EU Cup held in Prague.

Outside of footy though, Rob's competition experience and teaching/coaching background will prove to be invaluable in the development of the Bulldogs. A 10-year veteran of international ski-racing, with 3 British Championships and 5 English titles to his name, he is a qualified coach in rugby, ski-racing and cricket. Rob lectures at Wiltshire College on such subjects as Exploring Physical Fitness and Teamwork, with vast academic experience around Sports Psychology, Nutrition, Sports Coaching and Fitness Training.

We caught up with Rob at the recent Dragon Cup for a comment, "I’m relishing the opportunity to work with Mark Pitura in guiding these young British players to push as close to their individual potential as possible. There are some quality established players and some decent new talent around. Helping mould them into an effective unit is an exciting challenge!"

The new coaches will be supported by the continuing senior staff of Team Manager Martin Smith, Captain Johnny Boyle (pictured) and Secretary/Treasurer Adam Bennett. There are more than 50 caps for Great Britain between the 3 and each has at least 2 International Cups behind them, so there's a great base of experienced support.

The first test for the new coaching team is approaching fast, with the Denmark Vikings raiding the British Isles once more on Saturday October 3rd. Narrow victors in the finals stages at last years International Cup, the Bulldogs' players will be out to impress the new coaching staff and earn their spot in the exciting build-up to IC 2011. The Danes will undoubtedly be looking to reverse the result in emphatic style, after a strong comeback in the 2008 encounter saw them agonisingly close to catching their European rivals. The match will be held at Putney Vale in London - further details can be found at www.aflbritain.com.