IC11: An unforgettable week in Sydney

The AFL International Cup moves to Melbourne this week following a hugely successful leg in Sydney.

The remaining 18 men’s and five women’s teams from all over the world left the harbour city on Virgin Australia on Monday.

For the first time in the International Cup’s history the event was played outside of Melbourne. It was a move which resonated well with the people of Sydney with over 15 schools and 2000 students engaged during IC11.

On top of this, there were a number of training nights, clinics and functions with AFL Sydney clubs, government representatives and community groups.

Encouragingly, there were many people and communities who came in contact with the game for the very first time.

AFL International Cup Ambassador Brett Kirk said the event was a major success.

“It was a huge week for footy in Sydney,” Kirk said. “We know it is still a place where footy is growing and you can just tell by the amount of kids and people who came out to watch the games that AFL’s certainly got huge potential – especially in the western areas of Sydney [where the majority of IC11 matches were played].”

“It was great to watch China play India and all of the school kids hanging over the fence and wanting to get the Chinese players’ autographs. They were treated like rockstars.

“I think the whole energy of the week has been so infectious. A lot of people who came along to watch wouldn’t have known there was footy going on outside these shores.

“There’s no doubt that after this week there’s more awareness about footy outside of these shores but also footy in general in Sydney.”

The tone for the week was evident from the outset when over 800 passionate and enthusiastic people packed into Luna Park for the opening function of IC11. For many of the participants, it was their first trip to Australia.

With so much energy in the room and a will to grow the game internationally it comes as no surprise just how huge the event has become.

The biggest International Cup in its short 12 year history – with a record 23 teams taking part – it’s clear that AFL is only just scratching the surface overseas. As Brett Kirk points out “it’s infectious” and it’s only on the way up.  

Following the launch was the Festival of Nations where all 18 men’s teams played on the one day in front of their Sydney-based community groups at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Over 2000 people walked through the gates that day to watch premier football in their own backyard.

As the week progressed and the women took to the field and had their launch, community venues in Auburn, Parramatta, Moore Park and Rouse Hill hosted matches. These were all well attended by local schools and community groups.

And who would forget watching USA triumph over the highly fancied South Africa in the curtain-raiser to the Sydney Swans and St Kilda match? It was certainly something US Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich will never forget.

In a fitting finale, the week culminated in arguably the highlight of the leg for the participating countries when all teams stepped onto the hallowed turf of ANZ Stadium for the Parade of Nations.

As the countries sang, danced and waved their way around the ground, the crowd of 25,000 people stood and applauded their efforts.

It was a sight which is rarely seen in Sydney – except for maybe when Brett Kirk played his last game in the red and white.

“I was really impressed by how the Sydney crowd was engaged and standing up and giving everyone a standing ovation,” Kirk said.

“It shows to the guys here who are playing that even though they’re playing at an amateur level that everyone appreciates what they’re doing.

“I think a lot of people in the ground had no idea footy was played outside of Australia. I think it was a huge plus for everyone involved. “