World Footy News

NZAFL seem to be ticking a lot of boxes in international footy development whilst the sun is shining very fiercely on South Africa and to a lesser extent PNG and the USA as the future for finding international rookies.

With AFL Clubs each allowed to stockpile up to 24 international rookies over a 3 year period to monitor and support as prospective players, and with Ireland unable to have their players named on this list, the players must be sourced from other markets. With the League stretching to 18 Clubs within a four year period we are looking at the possibility of 432 players being on a list who have been developed offshore. As Paul Kelly, the musician, said “From Little Things Big Things Grow”

This has been recognised by one AFL Club who are currently in the process of developing a key strategic relationship with the NZAFL in identifying and nurturing young talent in New Zealand to possibly rookie list.

John James made his senior debut for the Zillmere Eagles in the AFL Queensland last weekend, after recently completing a great tournament in the AFL Queensland U18 State Championships. Not only did his team have a win, but he kicked 2 goals and was named in the best players. Not bad for a 17 year old from Papua New Guinea. For more information view this article and this article.

WorldFootyNews.com and USFootyNews.com are teaming up to present the 2008 USFooty Top 10 Poll. To kick things off we are having a Top 10 Countdown for the Preseason Top 10. Who are the best teams in USFooty?

The New York Magpies are Number 4 in the WFN/USFN Top 10 Poll. New York had a solid season in 2007, finishing 6-2 and Number 4 in the World Footy News Top 10 Poll. Their only two losses came against the Baltimore Washington Eagles and the San Diego Lions.

Catalan footy pioneer Pere Moliner recently mentioned to WFN that he is president of a new "World Australian Football Federation" and that the WAFF is planning a 9-a-side World Cup for later this year. While no location or date has been announced officially, Paris in September-October has been mentioned.

Moliner tells us that in addition to Catalonia, Andorra and France, he has players in the LFAC (the Catalan league) interested in representing Senegal, Brazil and Argentina, who are currently searching for fellow countrymen to put together their teams.

In related news, the Catalans are now in discussions with the AFL about attending the International Cup in Melbourne this year, separate to the possible return of the Madrid-based Spain Bulls. This would be the first time a non-sovereign nation would take part at the IC, but would bring an extra traditional rivalry to the Cup, along with USA-Canada, Tonga-Samoa or PNG-NZ.

The LFAC is back at 4 teams this year, with the Picamuixons Birds replacing the Andorrans who were forced to withdraw from the league due to logistical reasons. Picamuixons is a town not far from Catalonia's footy capital Valls, with three teams now in the Alt Camp region.

October 2008 will see the Canberra Marists College tour NZ and play 3 games against the NZ Under 18s. With the Barassi Youth Tournament postponed until next year it has enabled the Club to gather their resources and travel to NZ instead. The Canberra and NZ association has been fostered for some time now with previous tours in both directions and with NZ Juniors being hosted at Quenbeyan, one of the Canberra league’s top Clubs at different times.

Read on for more on the NZAFL website.

The Australian's Chip Le Grand interviewed Colin Carter as he came to the end of his long stint on the AFL Commission. Carter was one of the key people behind the scenes who directed the evolution of the debt-ridden Victorian Football League through to the vibrant Australian Football League, he pushed for the continued expansion into new areas of Australia, and remains a strong advocate for investment in South Africa. The interview can be found here, but is reproduced below given that it is a rare insight into some of the driving forces behind the sport's radical changes over the past couple of decades.

WorldFootyNews.com and USFootyNews.com are teaming up to present the 2008 USFooty Top 10 Poll. To kick things off we are having a Top 10 Countdown for the Preseason Top 10. Who are the best teams in USFooty?

Golden Gate Roos are Number 5 in the WFN/USFN Top 10 Poll. The Golden Gate Roos finished 2007 5th in the World Footy News Top 10 Poll with a 2-3 record.

After a very successful tournament last year, the Dubai Dingoes along with Specialist Mortgage and Australasian Taxation Services (SMATS Group) will today host the 2008 SMATS Dubai 9s competition. Ten teams will take part, with the Dingoes and the Heat (reigning champion) each splitting into two sides for the event. Last year's surprise-packet the Doha Kangaroos will be back, along with the Airmile Hawks and GAA sides Clann na hOman (as the Muscat Magpies) and the Dubai Celts. The Falcons, who are a new club from Abu Dhabi will make their debut (WFN will reveal more details about the club later in the week). The tournament will be held at the Sharjah Wanderer's Sports Club.

Read on for the match schedule.

Part of the experience of the International Cups and international footy in general is the culture and colour other nations bring to the game. We see different playing styles, different body types, new jumper designs and an assortment of languages and culture. A huge success at the last Cup was the dinner function in Wangaratta. Some of the colour, dancing and good cheer can be seen on our recent Youtube upload on our World Footy Channel.

WA Country Football has been at the forefront of developing relationships between the US and Australian football communities. In 2007, WA Country had two representatives at the USFooty Nationals including General Manager Cameron Knapton. WA Country has also worked closely with USFooty’s Tony Fairhead to place St John University “Johnnies” in country footy teams after they finish their footy bootcamp while on exchange to Notre Dame University in Perth WA. Now they're taking things one step further, with an off-field role for an American student.

As some of the players from the historic 2007 AIS-AFL junior tour of South Africa have now broken through into senior AFL ranks, it might be time to reflect on their future prospects and those of their opponents, the South Africans.

WorldFootyNews.com and USFootyNews.com are teaming up to present the 2008 USFooty Top 10 Poll. To kick things off we are having a Top 10 Countdown for the Preseason Top 10. Who are the best teams in USFooty?

Minnesota Freeze are Number 6 in the WFN/USFN Poll. 2007 was a break out season for the Freeze.

They finished the year with the Division II National Championship. The Freeze were 7-1 and finished 7th in the World Footy News Poll. With their B-team finishing runner’s up in the Reserves at Nationals 2007 was a pretty good year.