Update From USAFL President Steve Grandfield

It was once again great to catch up with everyone at the 2017 USAFL Nationals this year.  What a great weekend it was, and as I heard someone say, it was like a big family reunion.  That is what Australian Rules football has always been to me.  It doesn't matter how often you may see past teammates and/or other people involved with the sport, there is such a bond that is created around this great game and it is something that everyone needs to be able to experience.

I would like to thank each and every player, umpire, volunteer and supporter for making the 2017 National Championships the biggest and one of the best ever!  It did not matter which field of play you were watching, the spirit and enthusiasm in which the football was played was infectious.  Congratulations to all of our Divisional winners and all those who won individual awards. 

To our Operations & Events Manager, Doren James and all the volunteers who helped make the event such a success, a huge thank you. A tremendous amount of work goes into organizing and running Nationals each year and with more teams and players than ever before, this year's tournament presented more of a challenge than usual and you all delivered – well done!

Thanks to the Surf Cup Sports Club in Del Mar who were great hosts. The fields were a very good quality, extremely spacious and very suitable for our tournament.  

 A big thank you to our tournament sponsor, Cooper’s. We really appreciate your longstanding support and commitment to Australian Rules Football in the USA and once again keep our players and supporters refreshed all weekend.   

 ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE & AGM

The Administration conference and AGM were again held the Friday of Nationals.  Although there were a number of clubs present, I would encourage all clubs to have a representative at this next year.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the outgoing Board for their service.  In particular two longstanding members of the Board; Mike Shepherd and Andrea Casillas, who have given many years to the League and have both helped shape footy here in the USA.  I look forward to maintaining contact with you.

Finally, I'd like to welcome the new Board voted in on Friday, October 20 at the AGM;

VP West - Seb Aguiairi
VP Central - Dave Bryant
VP East - Scott Morris
Secretary - Jon Loring
Treasurer - Will Sandman
Member at Large - Heather Serpico

I am confident this group will work to further improve the League and Australian Rules Football participation here in the USA. In the months ahead we will seek input from clubs and individuals along with our AFL Advisory Board to help identify means to deliver improvements.  

There will be more emphasis on player and club engagement to ensure we access the ideas and feedback across the USAFL.  There is so much energy and talent in our League, I know we can continue to increase the quantity and quality of Australian Rules Football played in USA communities.

I look forward to this journey with you.

Steve Grandfield,
President, USAFL