Freedom and Liberty for All

The USAFL is very excited to announce it is sending not one but two full women’s sides for the upcoming AFL International Cup.  The two squads, named the Freedom and Liberty, are made up of female footy players from all corners of the USA.  According to Head Coach Leigh Barnes, the pre-tournament training camp was an impressive experience.

“We had over 60 girls at the training camp representing 12 different regions of the US,” admitted Barnes. “Some of those areas don't even have a team for the girls to play in so it was a pretty awesome effort from all involved to have so many at the training camp in an IC year.”

Team Assistant Manager Autumn Ervin echoed Coach Barnes’ sentiment.

“It’s a bit of an investment (everyone funded themselves for travel to the Houston, Texas camp) and for some it meant taking time off from work or time away from family.  Having two opportunities sweetened the pot, especially for those who might be a bit shy about attending.  It was a great platform for veterans to show how to lead on the field and for rookies to jump out of the starting gate.”

Opportunities like the International Cup, or IC for short, provide an incredible experience for players participating in our great sport.  Women’s footy, both at home and in Australia, has grown substantially in recent times and Barnes recognizes the correlation.

“The rate of participation all over the US has risen dramatic ally over the past 3 years and this has fuelled the interest at the elite level for players to take their game to the next level. To see new teams spring up and new players stepping up to play for the Freedom and the Liberty has been a validation of the processes put in place by not only the USAFL, but all involved at the representative level as well.”

When the tournament tips off next Sunday, many USAFL fans will be salivating at the prospect of two American teams playing in the Grand Final two weeks later.  Ervin, who has been around women’s footy for numerous years, sums up the atmosphere very well.

“The new inclusion of the Liberty in the IC is an awesome reward for the dedicated USA women’s players.  These women had already spent time, money, and effort to put up their hand to come to Australia and contend against local teams.  With two USA teams in the IC, the possibility of an American sweep is tempting to think about!”

Indeed it is.  And the USA will be behind our girls all the way!