World Footy News

The 2012 Youth AFL Oceania Cup will commence this week and once again to be held in Suva, Fiji. As the AFL’s Andrew Cadzow (Development Manager for AFL Asia Pacific) welcome message states "The Oceania Cup will play a vital role in showcasing the many talented players in our great game and more importantly highlight the development and growth of football through Asia Pacific."

This is the fourth year of the tournament, but this year there have been some important structural changes. For the first time both PNG and New Zealand have been placed directly into the South Pacific Cup, whilst players from Fiji, Nauru, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands will battle it out in the hope of being selected in the U16 Oceania Squad to then compete against PNG and NZ in the South Pacific Cup April of next year in Townsville.

The South Pacific talent pathway is a major feature of the AFL's International Talent Pathway, and culminates with the chance for selection in the South Pacific team to compete in the 2013 NAB AFL Under 16 Championships in NSW. From there, the AFL Clubs have a capacity to offer up to 128 International Scholarships.

The Oceania Cup doesn't just focus 'on field'; there is included a Staff and Volunteer Coaching and Administration Workshop aimed at enhancing the grass roots footy in each country.

The Oceania Cup is an ‘endorsed’ (by the AFL Talent Pathway) tournament and includes an AFL Testing Combine.

The Vanuatu Volcanoes squad will be coached by Matt Lucas, Assistant : Ben Laycock, Team Manager : Leisau Taraviki, Runner : Kili Andrew and Trainer : Roger Joel Roy.
Tonga will be coached by Malakai Mahina, Assistant : Uinikoni Kivalu, Team Manager : Philip Parton, Runner : Tohi Okati, Trainer : Siale Vahai.
The Solomons (Allstars) with be coached by Ben Cadzow and Team Manager is Job Viluta.
Fiji coached by Alipate Navuso, Assistant : Eroni Kakaivalu, Team Manager : Lupe Wolfgramm, Runner : Jack Wolfgramm, Trainers : Max Wolfgramm &; Semiti Mateiwai.
Nauru coached by Paner Baguga, Assistants : Wes Illig &; Nickos Simon, Team Manager : Rayong Itsimaera and Trainer : Mallinson Batsiua.

Squads are due to arrive in Fiji on Wednesday morning (Dec 12th) and will depart the following Wednesday evening. Full schedule to follow.