International footy shapes the Australian Football

The story of footy is about change. Except that it does not all come from the top, or from the centre.
In the words of Australian artist Paul Kelly’s song… ‘From little things big things grow’….
The way in which the game is played around the world, often involving smaller teams on smaller playing fields, and sometimes with some rule modifications, may shape the future of the game in Australia. And what better day to discuss the future of Australia's indigenous sport, with a global view, than Australia Day?
Pioneering competitions with initially small numbers, the paucity of available playing fields (and the difficulties of obtaining local authorities’ permission to use them) has led to numerous improvisations, with smaller teams from 9 to 16. This has been the story of Australian Football around the world from Japan to Denmark and Finland.
The fact that in NSW and Queensland, except for some cricket ovals, there are more small grounds and few large grounds may lead to more competitions with 12, 14 or 15 a side.
Since the pressure on space on the suburban frontier in Australia has seen housing developments with smaller playing fields, the opportunities for competitions involving smaller teams will expand. There will be new opportunities and forms, not just in terms of the modified rules of Auskick, the summer mixed and non-contact game Rec Footy and Master’s Footy.

To read the full story click HERE.

Courtesy of worldfootynews.com

- Stephen Alomes