New Aussie Rules Confederation Reveals Global Plans
A new international body for Australian football has been formed, the International Australian Football Confederation (IAFC).
This has come about for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the International Australian Football Council has long ceased to function effectively.
Secondly, the AFL's logic that it can be the 'world-wide governing body' is flawed and incorrect. A 16 team national competition is just that, a 16 team national competition.
Thirdly, the Confederation's sole focus is on developing and growing the game internationally. This is in marked contrast to the AFL, which has consistently stated that its 'primary focus is on maximising support for our 16 AFL clubs' (2001 Annual Report) and that its priority are the northern markets of New South Wales and Queensland.
Finally, and most importantly, the Confederation, unlike the AFL, offers effective representation on all matters relating to international footy. The Confederation does not claim ownership of the game and recognises that we are all equal stakeholders in the world's greatest sport.
The Confederation is in the process of contacting the Federal Minister of Sport, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), Austrade and similar bodies to discuss the enormous benefits of supporting the international expansion of Australian football. We believe that our great game, as Australia's only indigenous sport, offers Australian companies unique opportunities to network with the international business community.
Key sponsors that will be approached in the very near future include Australian icons such as Qantas and BHP. Other global heavyweights will also be targetted.
The purposes and principles of the Confederation include:
promoting and fostering the game of Australian Football amongst its members and to other countries;
managing and coordinating international matches and tournaments;
establishing and promoting an official World Cup of Australian Football, and
gaining recognition as the International Federation of Australian Football.
We will accomplish the above by a combination of hard work and 'thinking outside the box'. Some of our aims include:
In consultation with national bodies, drafting, discussing and adopting a Global Development Plan. Forming an International Australian Football Foundation, backed by high profile government, corporate and AFL personalities, to raise funds for international footy. Establishing a good working relationship with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) and all Australian embassies, to promote the game and use the game to promote Australian business and exports. Examining all countries in detail to determine if and how Australian Football could be seen, taught and played there. Forming an alliance with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to promote and develop both sports (preliminary discussions have already been held). Developing a Footy Starter Pack (footballs, manuals, videos and other resources) to assist the introduction of the game into new countries. Gaining the inclusion of Australian Football in major international Games, including the South Pacific Games (Fiji, 2003) and the All-Africa Games (Nigeria, 2003). There are enormous benefits in doing so. Combined with information seminars and clinics, the inclusion of footy as a demonstration sport offers enormous exposure at relatively low cost.
Contact: Brian Clarke, Acting President – International Australian Football Confederation
E-mail: clarkey@onthenet.com.au
This has come about for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the International Australian Football Council has long ceased to function effectively.
Secondly, the AFL's logic that it can be the 'world-wide governing body' is flawed and incorrect. A 16 team national competition is just that, a 16 team national competition.
Thirdly, the Confederation's sole focus is on developing and growing the game internationally. This is in marked contrast to the AFL, which has consistently stated that its 'primary focus is on maximising support for our 16 AFL clubs' (2001 Annual Report) and that its priority are the northern markets of New South Wales and Queensland.
Finally, and most importantly, the Confederation, unlike the AFL, offers effective representation on all matters relating to international footy. The Confederation does not claim ownership of the game and recognises that we are all equal stakeholders in the world's greatest sport.
The Confederation is in the process of contacting the Federal Minister of Sport, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), Austrade and similar bodies to discuss the enormous benefits of supporting the international expansion of Australian football. We believe that our great game, as Australia's only indigenous sport, offers Australian companies unique opportunities to network with the international business community.
Key sponsors that will be approached in the very near future include Australian icons such as Qantas and BHP. Other global heavyweights will also be targetted.
The purposes and principles of the Confederation include:
We will accomplish the above by a combination of hard work and 'thinking outside the box'. Some of our aims include:
In consultation with national bodies, drafting, discussing and adopting a Global Development Plan. Forming an International Australian Football Foundation, backed by high profile government, corporate and AFL personalities, to raise funds for international footy. Establishing a good working relationship with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) and all Australian embassies, to promote the game and use the game to promote Australian business and exports. Examining all countries in detail to determine if and how Australian Football could be seen, taught and played there. Forming an alliance with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to promote and develop both sports (preliminary discussions have already been held). Developing a Footy Starter Pack (footballs, manuals, videos and other resources) to assist the introduction of the game into new countries. Gaining the inclusion of Australian Football in major international Games, including the South Pacific Games (Fiji, 2003) and the All-Africa Games (Nigeria, 2003). There are enormous benefits in doing so. Combined with information seminars and clinics, the inclusion of footy as a demonstration sport offers enormous exposure at relatively low cost.
Contact: Brian Clarke, Acting President – International Australian Football Confederation
E-mail: clarkey@onthenet.com.au