Under 16 Championships Underway
Submitted by USAFL on July 7, 2012 - 12:17am

US youngsters, Nolan Ellis of Denver and Brendon Heicklen of LA are about to take on Australia's best this Saturday, July 7 in Sydney, Australia as part of the World XVIII Team. Photo to the left is of the team at Coogee Beach, Sydney during a recovery session.

World Footy News reported on the team earlier today:

The World XVIII and South Pacific teams have arrived in Sydney over the past few days and completed training sessions and warm up matches.  The 2012 NAB AFL Under-16 Championships will commence in Sydney tomorrow, Saturday, July 7.

The seven-day carnival has been expanded to 12 teams with the inclusion of the AFL’s Indigenous Youth side, the Flying Boomerangs, and the Western Australia North-West team.

AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan said more players have the chance to participate in the championships.

“In 2012 players from throughout Australia and the world will be in Sydney to compete.

“The introduction of the WA North-West team is a great initiative that will give players in remote communities the chance to train and play together, improve their skills and give them every opportunity to pursue their football careers.

“Our international teams, the World XVIII and South Pacific, both registered wins last year proving they have the talent to pursue our game to the highest level,” he said.

The South Pacific team includes players from Tonga, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa.

The World XVIII is comprised of players from multicultural backgrounds living in Australia and nine overseas-based players. Sudan, USA, Denmark, India, South Africa and Indonesia are some of nations represented.

Read the full story at worldfootynews.com »

Posted in 
AFL, International, Playing in Australia
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