World Footy News

The USAFL has announced their hunt for a new national team coach is over.  Tom Ellis, former Denver Bulldogs captain and US Revolution team captain has been given the nod.  He takes over the position from Matt Bishop who coached the Revo’s at IC11 and IC14 (and the years in between).

Ellis has coached the Revolution once before, in LA against a team of Australians that play in the USAFL back in 2007.  But this time around he is set for to coach at least a full International Cup cycle.  It would come as no surprise to those that know Ellis that he would one day coach the USA in international competition given his long time commitment to the game and passion for the Revo’s continual push to make it to the top of the International Cup tree.

And it is perhaps an indicator of the maturity of the USAFL to elect their first American as full time coach after a succession of well credentialed Australians (including Paul Roos) that have held the position previously.  Not a decision made in haste but one that waited for the right American to be ready for the job.

We wish Tommy all the best.  As does the departing coach Matt Bishop who left this message for Ellis on Facebook “Congrats Tom, well deserved. You are well qualified and will do a great job. Beware the knives circling your back, they can strike any time.”  A reminder that there is a lot of politics in footy and being able to harness the power and support of so many geographically widespread teams is not an easy task.

That task begins with the first match in anger in the 49th Parallel Cup where the USA will host Canada in Florida.   The series of international test matches between the USA and Canada, will be held July 31st and August 1st at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Men’s and women’s teams will play on both days with the main event on Saturday evening starting in twilight and played under lights.  The development teams will also play during twilight/evening on the Friday night.  At the time of the event IC17 will be just 24 months away.

You can read the open letter from Tom Ellis on his appointment here.