World Footy News

A new footy force is rumbling to life between Edinburgh and Glasgow. The new West Lothian Eagles are gathering the necessary interest and support to build a new Scottish powerhouse, and if enthusiasm counts for anything, Mikey Allan will make it happen.

In a recent chat with Mikey he revealed, “I had moved to West Lothian last October and decided to try and start a training group. I was asked if there was a team and I said there wasn't which resulted in only 1 guy showing up to training. [But] the team is currently seven weeks old and we are attracting more every week - nine at our last session.”

“AFLE and AFL Scotland have been brilliant in assisting me getting the club set up. I am currently in talks with AFL Europe about the donation of strips.”

“The West Lothian Eagles are Scotland's newest Aussie rules team and are actively recruiting for players and staff. We train every Monday night at 19:15 at East Calder football pitches. All training is free and a great laugh. All ages, male or female, are welcome – experience not necessary. So if you want to see what the fuss is about come kick a ball with the West Lothian Eagles.”

Mikey himself has fallen deeply in love with the Australian game and admits, “I first watched AFL in Perth, Western Australia in 2014. It was the West Coast Eagles V Sydney Swans at Paterson’s Stadium (formerly Subiaco Oval and now Domain Stadium). I instantly loved the game and started to find out more, I then found the Kingdom Kangaroos [back in Scotland] and played for them. From there I have represented Scotland and I am currently assisting the Scotland national coach and I will be attending the euro cup in Lisbon. I am both an accredited coach and umpire.”

“I basically can't enough of Aussie Rules footy, and we are currently in the process of linking formally with the West Coast Eagles in the AFL.”

Mikey is also quick to mention just how many people and organisations have helped get the club to where it is now. He mentions specifically the amazing promotion work of Recruitment Officer, Fraser Welsh who has only been playing with the club for seven weeks but doing an amazing job to recruit players. Local gym, TOD Combat Coaching is a key sponsor, and Mikey also acknowledges the great support of his former club, the Kingdom Kangaroos, for helping the club along.

Longer term, the club is gearing to be a major team in the AFL Scotland lineup, but initially some friendly matches against other clubs and possible appearances at the Haggis Cup and other smaller tournaments present the more immediate future.

But whatever happens, the West Lothian Eagles are up and running on the Scottish footy horizon and all things going well will aim to be another powerful part of Scottish footy for years to come.