Freedom

Calling all players! The USA Freedom is accepting nominations from players who wish to try out for the 2011 team which will travel to Australia to play in the first ever Women's Division of the International Cup.The Freedom Training Camp, Februaru 25-27 in Austin, Texas, will be the last opportunity for players to try out for the squad.

The USAFL is excited to announce the appointment of Leigh Barnes, former Executive Board Member and long time USAFL player, umpire, coach and administrator as the new national women's team coach. “We are extremely pleased to have Barnesy on-board as the Freedom’s Head Coach, he brings with him many years of playing and coaching experience and a good nature that will enable him to bond well from day one with the team”, says Rich Mann, USAFL President.

The AFL have made some changes to the scheduling of the 2011 International Cup after taking into consideration the requests of participating countries nominated as well as the recently released 2011 AFL fixture. The tournament will be played in both Sydney and Melbourne from Friday August 12 through to Saturday August 27, 2011.

The adage is that, "All good things must come to an end". One of those good things ended at the 2010 USAFL National Championships. US Freedom Head Coach Wayne Kraska announced his retirement from the USA Freedom.

Prior to and during his reign as Freedom coach, Kraska built a dynasty in Atlanta where he coached the Lady Kookaburras to wins in the first three USAFL Women's National Championships (2005-2007). During this period, Kraska was integral in coaching and developing some of the league's most competitive players. In fact, the Kookaburras did not lose a game until they were narrowly defeated by Calgary in the 2008 Grand Final.