World Footy News

New Zealand’s National Provincial Championships will see not only the four leagues competing for representative honours, but also two matches between Victorian Amateur Under 18's against the New Zealand Under 20's.

The four senior leagues from Auckland, Canterbury, Waikato and Wellington will compete for national honours for the first time since September 2007. The past three tournaments have seen Auckland victorious.

The teams have a good quality of coaching staff with all involved having a back ground at an international level for the Falcons. Andrew Congalton, New Zealand captain at both the 2005 and 2008 International Cups will be the Auckland coach, whilst his predecessor from the 2002 campaign, John Jackson has the reigns at Wellington. Jim Lucy, with three International Cups under his belt in a coaching and adminstration level ,will target Waikato towards winning their first game at NPC level and new Canterbury coach Jason Ball was a member of the 2002 International Cup team.

Meanwhile Victorian Amateurs have commenced an inaugural competition involving the Under 18 grade and will send a representative team from the age group to play New Zealand Under 20's in two matches over the weekend. Though the Vic Ammos have a long and proud history at U19 level the Under 18’s are a new competition and their depth available to select from should ensure that the New Zealand outfit is very competitive. Teams will compete for the VAFA/AFL New Zealand Cup for what is hoped to be an ongoing association.

AFL Oceania Manager Andrew Cadzow will be in attendance monitoring the development of the sport and lending assistance as required.

For more see NPC to tie in with visiting Vics.