World Footy News

The inaugural Under 16s Oceania Cup commences this week. Six countries are competing, with previous International Cup winners Papua New Guinea and New Zealand expected to lead the way. IC08 surprise packets Nauru would also be expected to do well.

Neighbours Samoa and Tonga should be solid performers but have less well developed junior programs than the biggest gun, PNG. Hosts Fiji are starting from scratch but are famous for their athletes and have the advantage of the home ground and an intensive build. In fact it was reported in the Fiji Times Online that the locals defeated Nauru in a warm up match. Note also that all teams were able to get advance clearance to play up to 6 players above the age limit.

Today (Friday) is expected to see the countries gather in Fiji's capital, Suva, where there will be an initial welcome, an address regarding talent pathways, and a cultural bridging session.

The preliminary draw is as follows (subject to late changes):

Pool A - PNG, Tonga, Fiji
Pool B - NZ, Nauru, Samoa

Saturday 12th December, all matches 4x10 min quarters

PNG vs Tonga
NZ vs Samoa
Tonga vs Fiji
Samoa vs Nauru
Fiji vs PNG
Nauru vs NZ

100 metre sprint heats and goal kicking competition

Sunday 13th December, matches 4x10 min quarters except grand final 4x15 min

20 metre sprint testing, 100 metre final, goal kicking final

3rd pool A vs 3rd pool B
2nd pool A vs 2nd pool B
1st pool A vs 2nd pool B (grand final)

Andrew Cadzow, Development Manager for AFL Asia Pacific (which appears to be an expansion of the AFL Oceania role), stated in a release to the nations:

"This tournament will become a major part of our International Talented Player Pathway. The opportunity to be firstly selected for your country, travel, compete and then look to be again selected for inclusion in the World Youth Team to compete in the Australian National U16’s Championships in Sydney in 2010 is a major highlight. Secondly, the ability of the eighteen (18) AFL Clubs to internationally scholarship up to 128 players a year gives every boy playing an opportunity to go to the highest level".

worldfootynews.com hopes to bring you all the results over the weekend.