The lifeblood of any senior league is juniors and the establishment of junior programs is crucial if our game is to be sustainable in Europe.
Until recently there has been little if any junior development in the region, with the exception of the junior competition in Denmark. Junior programs have also recently commenced in Stockholm and Port Malmö.
It is submitted that the future of junior development in Europe is unlimited. And the main reason for this is that our sport sells itself. Players can run, sprint, jump, kick, handball, catch, ruck and bounce – there are also no restrictions such as offside. As a result it is the ideal sport for gaining fitness, strength, speed, agility, coordination and power.
Governments throughout Europe are concerned with rising obesity levels and funding is available for new initiatives that get kids off the couch. Being overweight increases the risk of heart disease and adult-onset (type II) diabetes, both of which place an enormous strain on any nation’s health service.
This represents a golden opportunity for Aussie Rules to be viewed as the sport to attack obesity throughout Europe. All kids love activities that are new and exciting and we have the most exciting game in the world.
Significant funding will enable us to create full-time development positions in Australian football, allowing us to compete on a level playing field with other sports.
Aussie Rules UK has been set up as a pilot program for junior development in Europe. It has been a huge success - click here to see video footage of the Aussie Rules Schools program.
If you would like assistance with establishing a junior program in your country, please contact us.
