America's Announce

The AAFA, CAFA and the USAFL are proud to announce that their delegate for the newly forming AFL International Development Committee is current USAFL President, Richard Mann.

Mr. Mann has been instrumental in the development of the USAFL, commencing with one of the original clubs, the Cincinnati Dockers in 1997. Mr. Mann enjoyed three successful years with Cincinnati, hosting the Nationals each year and winning the inaugural USAFL National Championships in 1997 in which he was named the Tournament MVP.

In 1999 Mr. Mann was named MVP in the International USA vs. Canada game coached by AFL legend, Paul Roos. At that time the USAFL Central Region VP, Mr. Mann was elected to President at the 1999 AGM, succeeding Paul OKeeffe, the USAFLs founding President. Mr. Mann then relocated to Denver in early 2000. Entering into his second term as USAFL President, Mr. Mann was also a member of the victorious 2000 National Champion team, the Denver Bulldogs.

Mr. Mann has worked closely with the AFL and achieved a significant increase in the USAFLs funding. Following two National Tournaments being attended by AFL umpires, Richard successfully negotiated for Peter Hanlon, AFL National Training Manager, and Adrian Panozzo, AFL Assistant Umpire Coach, to conduct the first ever AFL attended coach and umpire clinic in the US. This was held in San Diego on March 2nd-5th 2001 and was attended by over 40 members.

Argentina President, Ricardo Acuna stated Richard is the ideal delegate from PanAm to sit on the AFL Development Committee. The CAFA National Board also expressed their support for Richard as the Americas Delegate.

The formation of this new committee is a critical step forward by the AFL in the international development of the game. Ross Smith, General Manager of Game Development and Ed Biggs, Game Administration, must be acknowledged for the great strides that have been, and will continue to be taken in the International Development of Australian Rules Football.

Anyone interested in contacting any of the above leagues, can do so via their websites.

Sheri Archer

USAFL Executive Director & Secretary

executivedirector@usfooty.com

secretary@usfooty.com

- Executive Director
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