USAFL Player Exchange Program

The Australian Advisory Board (AAB) operates under the USAFL Board's control to assist the USAFL in the further development of USAFL clubs & players through player exchanges. The AAB enables the exchange of players to and from USAFL clubs with the primary aim of seeking suitable community based clubs that enhance both the "on field" & "off field" skills of the exchange recipient.

All exchanges are held in a safe & family oriented environment with the AAB exchange participant's committed to returning to a USAFL club to share their knowledge & experiences.

FOR THE PERIOD 2009 TO 2017 THERE HAS BEEN A TOTAL OF 35 PLAYER MOVEMENTS FROM USAFL CLUBS TO 4  STATES & TERRITORIES OF AUSTRALIA.

Western Australia - 13 PLAYERS PLAYING AT 6 METROPOLITAN & 8  COUNTRY CLUBS.

Victoria - 18 PLAYERS PLAYING AT 4 METROPOLITAN & 4  COUNTRY CLUBS.

Northern Territory - 2 PLAYERS PLAYING AT 2 METROPOLITAN CLUBS.  QLD - 2 PLAYERS PLAYING AT 2 METROPOLITAN CLUBS.

6 KEY ELEMENTS REQUIRED FOR A SUCCESSFUL  EXCHANGE:

1. EXCHANGE PLAYER CHARACTER - PLAYERS WITH THE RIGHT VALUES  & ATTITUDE. GOOD CHARACTER & DESIRE TO WANT TO TAKE THE TRIP FOR THE FOOTBALL & CULTURAL EDUCATION & OPPORTUNITY IT  PRESENTS (THE EXCHANGE IS NOT JUST A HOLIDAY!).

2. CLUB & TEAM CULTURE - SUPPORT AND GOOD VALUES MUST BE  EVIDENT FROM BOTH THE HOME USA CLUB & THE AUSTRALIAN CLUB - IMPORTANT THAT THE EXCHANGE PLAYER IS SELECTED TO MATCH  THE EXCHANGE CLUB & LEVEL OF FOOTBALL.

3. THE EXCHANGE PLAYER IS SELF FUNDED - THOUGH THE EXCHANGE CLUB ASSISTS THEM TO FIND WORK. AS A BACKUP, THEY SHOULD  HAVE THE APPROPRIATE CASH SAVINGS & / OR A VISITOR / WORKING  VISA ETC. IF REQUIRED.

4. EXCHANGE CLUB CULTURE - THAT THE EXCHANGE CLUB CAN  DEMONSTRATE THAT IT CAN PROVIDE THE SUPPORT MAKING THE  EXCHANGE PLAYER WELCOME, (PROVISION OF FREE HOUSING  ASSISTANCE FOR THE FIRST 4 - 6 WEEKS, ASSISTANCE WITH  SEEKING WORK OPPORTUNITIES ETC.) AND HAS SIMILAR VALUES  TO THE HOME CLUB.

5. EXCHANGE PLAYER IS FULLY OCCUPIED OVER THE 12 MONTHS -  PLAYING IN NORTHERN TERRITORY (SUMMER SEASON) BEFORE OR AFTER PLAYING IN SOUTHERN STATES (WINTER SEASON),  MAXIMISES FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE & CULTURAL EXCHANGE.

6. THAT ALL THE PARTIES ARE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE  AGREEMENT (HOME CLUB, EXCHANGE PLAYER & EXCHANGE CLUB)

NOTE: CLUBS & PLAYERS THAT ENGAGE IN THE EXCHANGE OFTEN ENCOURAGE PLAYER  EXCHANGES FROM THE EXCHANGE CLUB THEY GO TO. BOTH AUSTIN ARFC & DENVER  ARFC ARE REALLY GOOD EXAMPLES OF AN EXCHANGE RESULTING IN THIS RECRUITING  OUTCOME.

Any USAFL players interested in participating in the exchange program should complete the application at the link below.

USAFL PLAYER EXCHANGE APPLICATION