Irish players needed for country team
The Irish AFL www.arfli.com are seeking Australian-based players to represent Ireland in the International Cup 2011 which is being held in Sydney and Melbourne later this year. Players must be Irish citizens who were predominantly residents in Ireland between the ages of 10 and 16.
The concentration of Irish living in Australia and the strong link between GAA and AFL, provide an avenue for ACT and NSW based clubs to offer a unique opportunity to any current or new Irish players.
All clubs are encouraged to make any Irish players aware of the details and contacts below for where they can find out further information.
The International Cup 2011 is a competition run by the AFL to promote the game of Australian Rules Football to countries outside of Australia.
The event features over 1,000 players and officials from 24 nations. Ireland won the inaugural competition in 2002 and in 2008, Ireland’s Mick Finn was voted player of the tournament.
The Competition runs from Friday 12th August to Saturday 27th August when the Grand Final will be played at the MCG as a curtain raiser to the Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs AFL match.
The first week of competition is in Sydney with games played at Blacktown Olympic – home to the GWS GIANTS. Teams will then relocate down to Melbourne for the second week.
Team management will be holding specific Irish Squad trials over the next 1-2 months so prospective players need to make contact with us ASAP. It is important to note that only players of a high standard, who play AFL regularly, will be in contention for squad selection.
Contact Paul Ryan on 0405246505 or e-mail opaulyz@hotmail.com OR Andrew Wheatley 02-44711857 / wheatleyeire@yahoo.ie to express your interest and get further details.
