Enter the Dragons
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This weekend marks the return of Australian Football to Los Angeles, with the Los Angeles Dragons taking on the San Diego Lions on Saturday at Balboa Park in Encino. The recently formed Dragons have grown out of the desire and demand for a primarily LA based 18a-side team, with upwards of 40 players expressing their interest and commitment to the establishment of the Dragons.
“This is a fantastic day for the growth and evolution of footy in Southern California” said former SCAFL President Corey Irwin. “Los Angeles is one of the greatest cities in the world, with a rich sporting history in both pro and amateur sports. Looking at the talented roster of American and Australian players the Dragons have, I fully expect them to be highly competitive in the national competition”.
Since 2005, Los Angeles based SCAFL players have participated in a metro competition of the Australian Football game – this is a streamlined version of the sport played with 9-12 on field players. These players from the LA metro clubs, the Beachside Sharks and South Bay Outlaws, will come together to form the core of the LA Dragons.
One thing the Los Angeles team will not have to concern themselves with is a coach. The club has secured the services of Head Coach John Fragomeni , having coached the SCAFL - OC Bombers to a 20-2 record in regular season games over the past three years. “I’m very proud of everything I’ve done with the Bombers player group” said Fragomeni. “Many of the young, talented LA based players I’ve had on the Bombers the past three years will be the core group and driving force behind the Dragons. Because of this, I see taking on the LA coaching position as a natural step forward.”
“This has been a long term goal for the SCAFL since its inception 6 years ago” said Irwin. “I couldn’t be happier with all we’ve achieved as an organization. Now that we’ve reached this goal, our focus turns to continued recruiting of new, athletic, young players to help grow the sport even further.”
In the meantime, Fragomeni says his new club’s aim is a spot in Division 1 at the USFooty Nationals Tournament. “Some might say attaining a spot in Division 1 is asking too much of a newly formed club, but the club has recruited well and the players are talented, smart, and most importantly, hungry. The group is motivated and wants to step up and make the LA Dragons a national force from the get-go.”
The preparation for the Dragon’s home opener has been gaining momentum since late January. Players, both old and new, gained valuable match experience in the strong six team SCAFL metro competition. Since the completion of that metro season, the focus has been on building a solid 18 a-side team, with practices building in intensity and complexity. Although the Dragons possess strong numbers, new players interested are welcomed with open arms, with the Dragons aiming on bringing two strong teams to the 2011 Nationals.
On a social note, the club launched last weekend at the club bar SOUTH, in Santa Monica, in front of a large and supportive crowd. Though not there physically, club patron and supporter, Dennis Cometti sent a video message wishing the club the best in their opening home match.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
3:30pm - Los Angeles Dragons vs San Diego Lions
Balboa Sports Complex
17015 Burbank Blvd, CA 91316-1825
Following the game will be an all-comers game - all are welcome.
6:30pm - Post-Match Function
South Bar
3001 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. We should have AFL on, as well as Coopers Beers & meat pies.
For further information on the LA Dragons contact:
Colter Allison
Los Angeles Dragons Media and Publicity
(310) 601-6352 | colterallison@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-Dragons-Australian-Football-Club/120558467957366
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