Donate Boots; Grow the Game

This October over 1,000 players, representing more than 30 clubs, will congregate in Austin, Texas for the largest footy carnival (tournament) in the world. This year players and spectators will have the opportunity to donate their used footy boots and give back to footy.

The USAFL National Championships hosts more players than any other football tournament in the world, even footy carnivals in Australia. Every year footy continues to grow within the United States: more people join and the skills of returning athletes enhance. Although the USAFL has been remarkably successful, Americans represent just a fraction of overseas footy players. In 2011 the number of international players surpassed 100,000!

Outside of Australia there are 20 international leagues spanning five continents. As a front-runner of international development and success, the USAFL is in a prime position to act as a role model for other leagues. By donating used footy gear at this year’s national tournament, participants can play their part in the international development of footy. The USAFL led the way with a similar drive in 2007 at the first Louisville Nationals and shipped over 100 pair of boots overseas.

Tony Woods, AFL International Development Manager, spoke of the need for basic equipment and the benefits a simple donation can make:

“One of the many challenges facing developing nations and their ability to participate in sport is the access to the required equipment. In our case its footballs and football boots. To witness some of the raw talent in countries like PNG and South Africa is a privilege so I welcome any initiative that can help these kids improve their skills.”

International AFL affiliates already have development programs underway. When players are outfitted with the proper equipment, simply a pair of shoes on their feet, participates can excel and meet their true potential.

Former scholarship player for the Milwaukee Bombers, Regan Atkinson, is currently living in Papa New Guinea working for AFLPNG. He is thoroughly impressed with the skill set of the juniors he coaches during school clinics and evening practices. He said the juniors “kick and handpass with both left and right hands and feet, and they sprint and bounce the ball on both sides of their body…it’s just incredible.”

Sadly, poverty hinders players and many are forced to play without shoes. According to Atkinson, parents cannot afford footy boots for their children until they reach thirteen years old, before this age they must play barefoot or in flip flops – of course Aussie’s say ‘thongs.’.. However, youth participants quickly outgrow their shoes after 13 and the quality of the shoes is very poor, thus those who can afford shoes only have them for a short while.

By donating a pair of footy boots, an adolescent could receive their first pair of boots. Bring your old, used boots (child sizes are also kids sizes are especially welcome) and other footy equipment to collection boxes at this year’s USAFL National Tournament to play a personal role in the development of footy on a global stage. Who knows, you could possibly donate a pair of shoes to a future International Cup, or even AFL, superstar.

For details contact Heather O’Keeffe at hmok1994@hotmail.com.