World Footy News

This weekend footy returns to central Canada as the 2014 AFL Ontario season begins.

AFL Ontario (AFLO) is the largest Australian Rules football league in the world outside of Australia, and it has a very busy off season. AFLO has been preparing 8 months, for what many around the league feel should be its most competitive season yet. A statement confidently endorsed by league Vice President, Morgan King.

“The league has been steadily growing stronger every single year, but.. Looking over how much we’ve accomplished at the executive level and the information sent to us from the clubs, this season is definitely shaping up to be the best.” King commented.

Coinciding with this, AFLO has been fortunate enough to secure two long-term, high profile Australian sponsors this year. The first being Australian football boot company X-Blades. The partnership will see X-Blades as a premier sponsor for AFLO and allow exclusive discounts and promotions to its membership. With both organizations having ties in Australia, both parties are excited about the partnership.

“X-Blades was founded in Australia, so it makes sense to promote an Australian sport.” Says Matthew MacNeil, Managing Director of Black Sky Sports Inc. “It’s great to be able to support the growth of the sport and help it develop in Ontario and Canada as a whole.”

The second is 2XU Canada, an industry leader in athletic performance clothing. 2XU Canada has the proud sponsor of the AFL Ontario Division 1 ‘Player of the Round’ for each of the 12 Home and Away Rounds.

“They are great additions and AFL Ontario is very excited to be teaming up with both sponsors.” Commented Director of Development, Gareth Bowley. “We are excited to welcome them to the AFL Ontario Family and look forward to a great partnership with both of them.”

Other positives for AFLO include the updated league website, which continues to attract high traffic and the return of local broadcasting company, Rogers TV, who will once again broadcasts various games throughout the 2014 AFLO season.

The season will again consist of 12 rounds, beginning this weekend and concluding at the end of August. Then a 3 week finals system during the month of September will crown the 2014 premiers.

In Division 1, the 10 competing clubs have been preparing and recruiting well throughout the off season. Over the past 5 seasons the standard of football has increased and this season will no doubt continue that trend.

Division 2, which consists of 5 teams (ed. actually 6 this year), continues to remain strong and provide clubs with a great avenue for new players to learn the game in a modified rules environment, against players of a similar ability. It also allows for older players to continue participating and enjoying the game they love.

The women's division, which consists of 5 teams, is also continuing to grow at a rapid pace. Last year saw one of the most competitive seasons with all teams playing some exceptional women’s football.

This should be a highly competitive and exciting 2014 season, so be sure to keep updated!

www.oafl.ca