World Footy News

While footy clubs around the world work on setting up junior programs to bring youth talent to the game, one important source of youngsters should not be overlooked. That is school exchange programs. Each year there are hundreds of youths that come to Australia from overseas to attend school and a number of them inevitably end up playing Aussie rules with their local school or club competition.

Many of these youths show great promise, and it would be a shame to lose them to the game when they return home, often not realising that the game exists in their home country. German exchange student Bijan Muller is one such talented youth who has shown a natural talent for the Australian game. There will be many Socceroos fans out their who would welcome any dilution of sporting talent available to the German soccer team following their 4-0 defeat of Australia on Sunday.

The following article New cult hero at Hawks is from the Ararat Advertiser.

MDFL - Despite never having played Aussie Rules, a German exchange student has been making an impact at the Tatyoon Hawks Football Club. Bijan Muller pulled on the boots for the Tatyoon reserves early this season and has not looked back.

His 12 month stay in Australia has almost come to an end but there is still one important match yet to be played. The Hawks will take on Moyston Willaura this weekend and Muller will be looking to go out with a bang.

The 17-year-old has been living with the Stockwell family while studying at Marian College and decided to take up the game after watching AFL on television. Kerry Stockwell, a sponsor of Tatyoon, pointed him in the direction of the Hawks where he has proved a valuable asset.

Muller has not missed a training night and has kicked six goals for the season. He was even named best on ground in the Hawks' last match. While he plays soccer in Germany, Muller said he preferred the Australian game.

''Football's better than soccer, being much more intense,'' he said. Reserves coach Nick Lloyd, who also teaches at Marian College, said Muller had become a cult hero at the Hawks.