World Footy News

On the recently-released list of nations who've expressed an interest in attending the 2011 International Cup were a number of European newcomers, who've come through the ranks of tournaments such as the EU Cup and are mostly in the process of setting up their domestic leagues.

The exception to that was Portugal, where footy has not yet been played on an organised level beyond the occasional social kick-to-kick. Portuguese local David Valente is hoping to change all that, with a continuing search for players and supporters to kick off footy in the country, the immediate goal of making it to the 2010 EU Cup, and maybe even the ambitious task of having a full squad ready for next year's International Cup.

A little while back, Valente created a webpage to try and attract interest in the sport in Portugal, and he received the Expression of Interest for the IC11 from the AFL. "As we’re true Don Quijotes of footy, we replied that we were interested in sending a Portuguese team to the antipodes," Valente says.

"Taking part in the 2011 International Cup is obviously little more than an impossible dream, although much can still happen in the meantime. Anyway, the AFL is now aware that interest in Australian football has already blossomed in the south-west tip of Europe."

The group however has a shorter-term objective to make it to the EU Cup to be held this October, a task they feel confident they will be able to complete. "To take part in the EU Cup is not an impossible dream. It’s a possible one. We’ve already been contacted by several people wishing to play Australian football, and we nearly have enough people to form a team."

Valente says there is interest in the sport in Portugal, but he's had to work hard to convince people to go beyond spectating and actually play. He's optimistic however that assembling a team, at least for this year's EU Cup, but maybe even the IC11, is achievable. "It would mean starting a team from scratch, but who knows what'll happen between now and next year."

Valente has also been grateful for the support of others from around the European footy community, saying "I've got to hand it to the international Australian football community - they're great, they've been offering me advice and support for quite some time now."

Anyone wishing to get involved with Australian rules in Portugal can visit their website or join their Facebook group.