Australian Football International Cup 2008

The AFL wished to advise 16 nations will participate in the third Australian Football International Cup in August-September.

Matches will commence on Wednesday August 27 in Royal Park, Melbourne and conclude with the grand final to be played at the MCG on Saturday September 6. Matches will also be played in Geelong and in Warrnambool.

2008 participating nations: Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, Great Britain, Ireland, India, Japan, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peace Team, Samoa, South Africa, Sweden, USA.

New countries include China, Finland, India, Peace Team, Sweden.

No expatriate Australian is eligible to play in the tournament. Teams are comprised solely of amateurs who must be nationals of the country they represent. All players must have lived the majority of the years aged between 10 and 16 as a citizen of their nation.

AFL Talent and International Manager Kevin Sheehan said the tournament has continued to grow after 11 nations competed in 2005.

“There are currently over 35,000 international players in over 35 countries. In the year we celebrate 150 years of Australian Football, the International Cup is an opportunity to celebrate the game as it grows internationally.

“The past two tournaments were played in great spirit. This is set to continue with the Peace Team, a team of both Israeli and Palestinian players, featuring in this competition, “Mr Sheehan said.

Previous winners: 2002 Ireland, 2005 New Zealand

The International Cup begins on Wednesday August 27 at Royal Park North in Melbourne. A full match program is attached.

All media are invited to attend all matches. AFL media accreditation is only required for the grand final match on September 6.

www.ic08.com.au – will be continually adding new stuff

http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/20080713184453910

http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/20080716140726478

- Michelle Clyne
(1155)