AFL Call for World XVIII Nominations

As part of the AFL’s international development strategy the AFL is once again inviting international affiliates to nominate their most talented junior players for an opportunity to be selected in the World XVIII team. This program is a key component of the International Talent Pathway, providing opportunities for overseas based players to be exposed to high level competition and expert coaching.

Players selected in the squad will compete in the NAB AFL U16 Championships which will be held in Sydney, Australia from July 7-14, 2012, with players required in Sydney for a training camp beginning on July 4.

The squad will be made up of overseas based players and players with a Multicultural background living in Australia. The team will be coached and mentored by former AFL players & experienced AFL staff players.

After more than a decade of Championships at U16 and U18 levels, the NAB Rising Stars Program is recognized as one of the most successful youth development programs in Australian Sport. The U16 Championships are the beginning of that program and provide most of the 200 players with their first opportunity to test their abilities against our country’s emerging young footballers. Current AFL players who have come through this system include: Chris Judd, Lance Franklin & Nic Naitanui.

The 2010 & 2011 carnivals saw the eight state and territory teams joined by two international teams, the World XVIII and the South Pacific. In 2011 the World XVIII was successful in defeating both the Northern Territory and the South Pacific teams.

In 2012 there will be an introduction of 2 new teams: Boomerangs (Under 15 Indigenous team) and Western Australia - North West.

WORLD XVIII PLAYER NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS:

Although a learning experience for all players, the Championships are a talent based event and aimed at players with excellent football potential; therefore it is important that those nominated for the World XVIII are able to fulfill the following criteria:

• Each individual must be of good character
• Competent at hitting targets by foot over 30 metres.
• Competent at hitting targets by hand over 5 metres.
• Basic understanding of the game (i.e. rules, positions, etc.)
• Able to adapt to various conditions and roles throughout a game.
• Ability to communicate with teammates of various nationalities/backgrounds.
• Must be athletic and possess a sound fitness base that will allow a player to run consistently for long periods of time (i.e. Match day).
• Players must be aged between 15-17 at 31 December, 2012
• Players must be nationals of their nominated country (no-expat Australians)

Once the AFL has received all nominations and selected a squad the AFL will provide further information. Successful players can expect to be notified of their selection by Monday 6th May, 2012.

To assist with planning and budgeting please be aware that flight arrangements and payment will need to be made by the individual athlete.

All on the ground costs such as: accommodation, playing & team attire, transport and meals will be covered by the AFL once in the training camp.

Players will be required in Sydney by Wednesday 4th of July, with players to depart after 7pm on the 14th of July or the 15th July (depending on individual flight availabilities).

Nominations for the World XVIII team will close on Friday the 13th of April, 2012.

Please forward all nominations and queries to Doren James operations@usafl.com.