Under-16 National Championships

By James Matthey

The most promising AFL prospects from across Australia and the South Pacific will be on show next week during the NAB AFL Under-16 National Championships.

The tournament, which runs from July 6-13, will provide an opportunity for aspiring AFL players to get their first taste of the sport at an elite level.

In total, 12 teams will compete in the Championships, including representatives from each Australian state and territory, as well as the 2013 Flying Boomerangs (a team consisting of indigenous talent), the South Pacific team and the World team.

The Under-16 National Championships are part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports the sport at a grassroots level and aims to help young Australians reach their goal of playing in the AFL.

The Championships will kick-off with South Australia coming up against Victoria Metro, while Victoria Country will do battle with Western Australia later in the day.