World Footy News

The AFL Europe will soon welcome Ben MacCormack as its new Regional Manager, after the previous apointee Peter Romaniw had to return to Australia following visa problems.

Gerard Murphy says he was disappointed Romaniw could not stay in Europe, stating "He was doing an excellent job and we were disappointed that he couldn't stay with us. Peter is working for the AFL in Melbourne and is continuing to provide us with support from Australia until Ben starts in mid-March."

The AFL Europe only received its current name after last year's Euro Cup in Milan, with the move creating some talk in the international footy scene. Murphy explains that "At the initial meetings, there was lots of discussion about what the relationship with the AFL should 'look like'. It was agreed by the countries that we should have a strong relationship with the AFL and that this relationship should be fostered and developed to produce maximum benefits for the region."

"The decision to establish ourselves as the EAFA was taken in order to create a 'neutral' brand that would enable everyone to join regardless of previous alignments. However, 9 months later in Milan, it was decided by the general assembly that we should change our name to AFL Europe, pending some clarification from the AFL on a small number of queries."

"We now have a very close relationship with the AFL and we have just appointed our new Regional Manager, Ben MacCormack, a position funded by the AFL. The appointment of Tony Woods has also been an excellent step forward as he is able to deal with any concerns that we have promptly."

Murphy also reports that the AFL Europe is looking at ways to assist sides to attend the 2011 International Cup, including accomodation and travel partnerships.

"The AFL has assisted by securing an accommodation partnership with the Accor Group and working closely with our new airline partner Virgin Blue and V Australia to assist in providing reduced fares for teams travelling from Europe. The AFL is also increasing its investment in the International Cup by over 100% for 2011 and is currently in the market for a tournament Naming Rights Partner," Murphy says.

In terms of grass roots development, the AFL Europe conducted a census in 2010 which indicated over 5100 participants throughout Europe, with Murphy saying that growth is a challenge requiring ongoing education and development. "The game is unique to the region and many nations are at various stages of development requiring varying levels of assistance," Murphy says.

"The passion of people involved in Europe is second to none and it is this passion that is being harnessed within established structure to insure the future long-term viability and growth of the region."

"There were various junior, school and Auskick programs run throughout Europe in 2010 and over 2500 school aged children were exposed to the game in varying forms. There were a number of countries involved in junior & youth football, including Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, England, Croatia and the Netherlands."

"There may also be up to 9 male and 2 female teams from Europe competing in the 2011 AFL International Cup to be played in Sydney & Melbourne."

Murphy says that the AFL is committed to a unified European structure and through AFL Europe and members is actively working towards implementing a range of initiatives, including assistance for European leagues to formalise their structures, develop the standard of coaching and umpiring, and to achieve local government recognition as official governing bodies for the sport in their respective countries.

"We want to utilise the skills and knowledge of locals to drive the programs, whilst tapping into the knowledge of any Australians who may be involved," Murphy says.