Two US Representatives Selected for World XVIII Team

The USAFL is pleased to announce that two players have been selected to the AFL’s World XVIII team that will compete in the NAB AFL U16 National Championships which will be held in Sydney, Australia July 7 - 14.  Nolan Ellis, of Denver and Brandon Heicklen, of Los Angeles will be competing on a team made up of some of the best young talent from around the world against some of the top talent from across Australia.  This opportunity has been several years in the making for both athletes.

Nolan is the son of long time Denver Bulldog and former Revolution player Tom Ellis.  He has been exposed to the game since he was 3, when Tom started playing.  He attended a few tournaments in Denver and made his first road trip with Tom in 2002.  He was in full Denver Bulldog uniform on the sidelines when Denver won their second National title at age 5.  Nolan has been on multiple road trips since then highlighted by going with the Revolution to Melbourne for the 2005 International Cup at age 9. 

Finally old enough to take the field, Nolan made his debut with the Bulldogs this past year.  He started his footy career as part of the co-ed Aussie Ball league in Denver, playing in a total of 8 games.  He impressed coaches and teammates with his knowledge and skill for the game and was selected for Denver’s Division 4 side at last year’s Nationals in Austin. 

In order to best prepare for his World XVIII experience Nolan will be leaving for Australia on May 18 to play in Perth where he will be training and playing matches with a local club.

Proud father Tom shared Nolan’s reaction to being selected, “He is excited to meet all the other players and just absorb all he can while he is there.  He just wants to represent the USA, USAFL and the Denver Bulldogs well both on and off the field.  The outpour from family, friends and teammates has been awesome.  He just can't wait to get there! “

Check out this story on Ellis on ABC's Channel 7, Denver »

Brandon is equally excited about the opportunity, “I’m ecstatic to be playing for the World Team. First, to work with some of the best coaches in Australia for 14 days straight - that's just really exciting, and second, I can’t wait to see where I stand in comparison to other kids my own age.  I, like every other player at the U-16 Nationals, dream of some day getting drafted by the Australian Football League. This is my chance to see, first hand, how I stack up.  I can't wait.  I would like to thank the Los Angeles Sharks and the AFL for believing in me. I promise, I’ll do my best not to let you guys down!”

At age 11, Brandon was flipping television channels at his grandmother’s house when he came across a footy game on ESPN.  Like most Americans, he thought it was Rugby – and was just about to turn it off when one of the players punted a 55 meter goal.  He yelled out, “Dad, you’ve got to see this!”  They watched the rest of the game together.

The next day, Brandon researched local leagues and discovered that the SCAFL (Southern California AFL) Beachside Sharks played close to his home.  The team, comprised of adults ages 19-40, adopted him as the team mascot and developed him for two years before letting him play in a game.  In 2011, at age 13, he became the team’s back-up full-forward.  This year, he was named a starting on-baller where he's helped the Sharks reach the top of the League ladder.   He has been averaging 2 goals, 6-8 Marks, and multiple tackles and spoils per game despite being 50-100 pounds lighter than most of the opposing players.

Brandon has been punting an American football since age 6.  At 8 years old, he became an NFL (San Diego Chargers) Team Punt Pass and Kick Finalist. He was also a two-time Junior Army All-American in the 7th and 8th grades.  Craig Hentrich, 17 year NFL veteran who retired in 2010 and was a punter for the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans has been Brandon’s punting teacher since age 9.  Brandon’s average spiral punt distance is 55 yards with a 4.2 second hang time.

This year marks the third year of the AFL World XVIII program; the USAFL has had representatives selected to the team each year.  The experiences gained by these young athletes will place them well for future consideration for the Revolution squad and opportunities to represent their country at the International Cup.

The USAFL wishes Nolan and Brandon the best of luck in their preparations and is confident they will be great ambassadors for the US and the league.