World Footy News

Portland is one of those teams that we haven't heard too much about. This year in the USAFL the Steelheads move from third to second division and are looking to maintain momemtum.

Portland's womens team, the Sockeyes currently have 9 members and are looking for some external competition. Both the men and the women play in a four team metro league. They manage about a 9 game season with three 18-a-side games against the Seattle Grizzlies.

The first hitout for the Portland Steelheads and Sockeyes on a Wednesday evening at Duniway Park saw a small but enthusiastic turnout. The location was conveniently across the freeway from downtown Portland but the weather threatened downpour as it did, if only moderately.

Watching the two women players train I could see that they would be competitive in the metro league. Jess has been playing for two and a half years and played in a WAFL women's team, the Claremont Piranahs whilst studying at Notre Dame (Fremantle). Heather has been playing for three years with her interest starting at home and also similarly skilled.

The Steelhead's secretary, Seth Wright, was taking training. He is one of the few players that I have met that found an interest in Australian Football simply from online viewing. as well, he has developed very good skills through insight drawn from online videos.

It was the groups' first hit-out and the weather was wet but by the end of evening the tempo had lifted and the drills were slickly performed.

Talking to Seth unveiled scenarios common to other North American clubs. Though playing fields could be found they invariably contained permanent fixtures that inhibited full utilization of the space.

The annual focus is on performing well in the USAFL and also in the Western regionals in preparation for the US Nationals in Florida and 2017 International Cup in Melbourne. Seth is confident that players will come out of the woodwork as the season gets under way. He sees the USA's mens national team, the Revolution, lifting their standard yet again but sees other countries attempting the same.

If you're wondering, steelheads and sockeyes are both fish.