Revolution Fact Sheet
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Country: United States
Capital: Washington, DC
Population: 310,000,000
National language: English
Number of AFL participants: 1,500
Team nickname: USA Revolution
National sports: Baseball (+ American Football, Basketball, Ice Hockey)
Road to the International Cup:
The United States Australian Football League's (USAFL) first ever game was played in 1996 between Louisville and Cincinnati at Louisville Kentucky. The league was founded the following year in 1997 at the first USAFL National Tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1997.
The USAFL is the sole representative of Australian Football within the United States. The USAFL is a grassroots, amateur sports organization dedicated to the development of and participation in Australian football. The organization is focused on the promotion and awareness of Australian football and Aussie culture and has created a sense of community among USAFL clubs and club members. The league also works to foster women’s and junior programs across the United States.
The league currently has 35 registered clubs with approximately 1,500 players across the USA. Of the 35 current USAFL clubs approximately 7 became members of the USAFL in the past 1-2 years.
The USA Revolution team has competed in all 3 International Cups played so far and finished as high as 3rd place in 2005. The Canadian Northwind, the Canadian Men’s All-Star Team, and the Revolution have developed a strong rivalry since their first game against each other in Chicago in 1999. These two teams play at least one game against each other annually (except International Cup years) in what is now known as the 49th Parallel Cup. This game is important in the development of the individual teams however it is equally, if not more, important in the overall development of Australian Football in North America.
Australian football legend Paul Roos coached the Revolution's inaugural game in 1999 at Chicago (Naperville, 8/1/99) to victory over the Canadian Northwind before returning to Australia to be appointed as coach of the Australian Football League side the Sydney Swans.
Question and Answer on your team:
How did the team come together?
The 2008 Revolution squad forms the basis of the 2011 squad and new talent was identified via a national recruiting effort, which incorporated the 2009 and 2010 49th Parallel Cups and training camps in Austin, Texas in 2010 and 2011. Coaches, staff and players all made the commitment to the Revolution early and have continually invested significant amounts of their own time, energy and funds to make attending the 2011 International Cup possible.
How long have you been training for?
Given players are located right across the United States, from Seattle to San Diego, Nashville to Philadelphia and everywhere in between, the team is unable to train more than twice a year.
Did Brett Kirk train with you?
No.
How do you think you’ll go at the International Cup?
The 2011 Revolution squad is a, on average, much younger, fitter, knowledgeable and more experienced group that will be very competitive.
How did your country start playing AFL?
The United States Australian Football League's (USAFL) first ever game was played in 1996 between Louisville and Cincinnati at Louisville Kentucky. The league was founded the following year in 1997 at the first USAFL Nationals in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1997.
The following section has been completed by the USA Revolution Team Captain, Dan Sarbacker:
Why play AFL? More than any sport in which I've ever been involved, Aussie Rules requires athletes to synthesize the requirements of all other sports – strength, speed, agility, tactical awareness, precision skills, endurance… and off the field, the club culture importance to the community fabric make the sport so much larger. It is a wonderful thing to be a part of and experience.
What is your perception of Australia? It is a gorgeous country, with vast expanses of untouched land. In some ways it reminds me of home, in others it reminds me of Europe, yet all at the same time having it's own unique flavor. The people are incredibly friendly and absolutely love having guests traveling to their country; they love their sport and are proud of their teams at home and abroad.
Most exciting part of this trip for you? Representing my country is truly a highlight, even when approaching thirty career appearances. When you add that to the fact that I get to play a sport I love, at an international level, while submersed in the culture where the sport was invented and evolved, it truly is a remarkable experience. Spending two weeks playing footy in front of fans that revere the game… you can't beat it.
Who do you think will be your toughest opponent? Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Nauru and Canada.
Can you see AFL becoming a truly international game in the future? Yes
Story Ideas:
Please send through three story ideas, either team or player orientated, which can help the AFL generate stories for the website and through the media.
For example: brothers/father-sons, celebrities, players overcoming adversity etc.
Donnie Lucero has played footy for over 13 years, which by U.S. standards is a long time given the league was only established in 1996. During this time Donnie has achieved many things including playing 100+ games for clubs, winning several Best & Fairest and Goal Kicking awards and playing a season for Eltham in the Diamond Valley League in 2002. And to top it all off Donnie will be representing his country in his fourth International Cup.
Three players to watch at the International Cup:
If you can provide a quote for each player as well that would be great.
Player 1: Bryan Dragus
Los Angeles Dragons
Bio: Bryan has only played the game for 3 years but picked it up quickly winning the Best & Fairest for his first club, the Golden Gate Roos (San Francisco). In the following year he travelled to Brisbane and played a season with the Western Magpies in the QAFL. Bryan is very agile for his height and will be a valuable contributor to the team at Centre Half Forward and in the Ruck.
Player 2: Noor Jehangir
Austin Crows
Bio: Noor, who is of Indian descent, first played in 2008 and has quickly become known for his speed and penetrating kick. Both these assets will be valuable in breaking the lines of the opposition.
Player 3: Dan Sarbacker
Chicago United
Bio: Dan is a natural born leader and a well deserved Captain of the Revolution. He played in the 2005 and 2008 International Cups and has played over 25 games for the national team. Dan has been recognized for his achievements many times over his career and one is his highlights would have to be being selected to play for the Mansfield Eagles first grade team, coached by Craig Kelly, in the Goulburn Valley League during 2010.
Contact Details:
Matthew Jagger, Team Manager – mjagger@hallrender.com
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