With all the Aussie rules seasons over, the centre of Australian football moves to London and the 2014 Euro Cup.
Ben McCormack, the CEO of AFL Europe, says that with 16 men’s sides and 5 women’s sides, this is the largest tournament since the competition was first held in 2005.
One of the men’s sides is the European Crusaders – a multinational side consisting of Czechs, Finns and others who couldn’t make a national side in time for the tournament.
The women’s competition won’t feature a Crusaders side this year – but where the Euro Cup has never had more than two women’s sides, they will have a record-breaking five this year.
Denmark, England and Scotland will be there for the first time, joining the French and Irish.
The Euro Cup is a nine-a-side competition, which will be played at London Irish club in Sunbury. The Tournament is held over six fields. McCormack says that they’ve rounded off the corners to give the pitches an oval feel.
The tournament is held over a single day and features 53 matches taking about half an hour each, with 12 minute halves for the men, and 10 minute halves for the women.
While the Irish are perceived as the strongest team in Europe, last year’s men’s tournament was won by a side from England. In fact, the English have won the tournament three times, as opposed to the Irish with two.
The entire tournament will be streamed live on Youtube. You can also listen to the interview with the AFL Europe CEO online.
Men’s Tournament
Swedish Elks
Austrian Avalanche
Norwegian Trolls
Denmark Vikings
France Les Coqs
Catalunya Llops
Scottish Clansmen
Spanish Bulls
Flying Dutchmen
Irish Warriors
England Dragonslayers
Croatian Knights
Welsh Dragons
European Crusaders
German Black Eagles
Italia Azzurri
Women’s Tournament
France Les Gauloises
Irish Banshees
Denmark Valkyies
England Vixens
Scottish Sirens
TW
Guest
Ha Ha, Actually I would do a better job promoting international footy than the current lot at AFL House. They are only giving crumbs off the table at present to the International game. To Wookies point -- Looking down the the track the AFL will have to set up a proper International footy division. They say they are Keepers of the Code. Currently that only applies in Australia it appears.
Martin
Roar Rookie
With interest coming from overseas I would suggest that our game of Aussie Rules footy should be featured in tourism promotions. It could drive up the number of visitors during the off peak winter months.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Norwegian Trolls. That is superb. The naming of the womens' team even better. Banshees vs Sirens, Valkyries vs Vixens. And the French, naming themselves after a cigarette. Genius. Hope they were accompanied by long black cigarette holders, disdainful looks, berets and sten guns.
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
Actually the Nats will be this weekend, its the first US College Championships that will be held in November - a 10 a side competition
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
The Asian Championships - a 16 a side competition - with admittedly a large amount of expats playing I think - will be held this weekend. Starts Saturday and is being held in the Phillipines
Johnno
Guest
These teams should come out and play in OZ, even if it's just against a NEAFL side, or a TAC Cup side, or even a country side eg Wangaratta in the Murray and Ovens comp. I'd love to see a rest of the World side, best foreign players vs a SANFL side be good. Rest of the World Vs Norwood/or Glenelg
conchie
Roar Rookie
Agreed.
Martin
Guest
I am not aware of a city around the globe that used to play Aussie Rules football. That is, once you get a taste for it there’s no turning back. A good product stands the test of time which is why it is still Australia's most popular football code.
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
For those who arent trolling this, the USAFL Nationals - the largest Australian Football tournament in the world - will be held in November.
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
This was submitted Friday. The final was played on Saturday between Croatia and Denmark, with the Danes winning for the fist time.
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
Yeah because its not possible to give a damn about the games development without being part of the AFL
conchie
Roar Rookie
3 out of 4 posts having a go at a game played at the arse end of the world by a miniscule population. Sort of un Australian, actually no, really un Australian. Cringeworthy posts by cringeworthy losers.
Celtic Bandaid
Guest
Do you have to buy your coffee in the office where you work (for AFL Media) TW, or do they supply a cappuccino machine ?
Craigo
Guest
I would do more about getting people to watch the game in NSW and QLD and maybe NZ before worry about overseas.
TW
Guest
Yep, Nice steady progress in Europe. Most leagues/countries are adding a team here and there and also quailifying in some areas for Govt Sports funding. All EU countries have minimum player numbers to qualify and registration requirements. All this activity largely self funded through limited sponsorship except for AFL Europe the controlling body which gets some AFL finances. Great to see the depth increased by the now addition of womens teams. Interestingly the AFL Commission boss Mike Fitzpatrick said recently that womens footy in Australia and overseas would be more supported in the future. He had been watching a womens match in the recent International Cup in which Canada blew the other team off the park. The time is approaching when the AFL will have to spin off a FIFA set up with its own budget and limited staff. Maybe if the AFL get their 10 year TV deal next time it may happen with the anticipated funding eventuating.