UK keen to play

By Monique Crapper
The Warrnambool Standard
19 March 2008

AFL International Cup co-founder Brian Clarke was yesterday blown away with Warrnambool's football facilities.

In 1999 Clarke - the general manager of Aussie Rules UK - collaborated on the idea of an international competition with Aussie Rules New Zealand general manager Will McKenzie.

The duo approached the AFL with their concept and in 2002 the first cup carnival was held in conjunction with the VCFL.

Clarke visited Warrnambool yesterday on behalf of the UK team to inspect the football grounds, accommodation and tourist attractions.

Formerly from Darwin, Clarke said he had never visited Warrnambool but was overwhelmed with what was on offer.

"I have looked at all the venues and the grounds and they are awesome. I am blown away how good they are," he said.

"I have checked out Royal Park in Carlton where the other games will be played but Warrnambool thrashes them in the quality of grounds and facilities."


The English team is coached by Aussie ex-patriot Charlie Kielty and will be one of 18 sides competing for cup honours.

Clarke said AFL had taken off in England with the establishment of a junior competition in 2005.

Senior football kicked off in 1989 with six teams in London. An under 16 competition will be introduced this year.

"At the start of 2005 we had no juniors and now we have 5800 kids playing," Clarke said.

Aussie Rules UK is planning to send a junior team to Victoria in October for the international cup to accompany its senior side - the Great Britain Bulldogs.

While in town, Clarke and Hampden Football Netball League general manager Michael Harrison met with members from Warrnambool College to discuss playing a showcase match between the school and the British junior side.

Clarke said he would also make contact with Brauer and Geelong colleges.

"The international cup is a sensational event. It is not just about football but seeing other cultures and styles," he said.

Clarke was confident the Bulldogs would be semi-finalists at this year's carnival but expected stiff competition from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Canada.

Harrison said the local football community had thrown its support behind the event with plans to play one match under lights in Cobden.