Australian rules football in Samoa

Sport overview
country = Samoa
sport = Australian rules football


imagesize = 260px
caption =
union = AFL Samoa
nickname = Bulldogs
first = 1997
registered = 240 (total)
108 (adult)
132 (junior)
clubs = 6
match =
league =
national1 =
country

Australian rules football in Samoa has been played since 1997.

The governing body for the sport was formed under the name Samoa Australian Rules Football Association [ [http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?assoc=3651&pID=2 AFL Samoa] ] in 1998, becoming the AFL Samoa in 2007. The national team, which first competed at the Arafura Games was originally known as the Bulldogs, the name being chosen as the AFL's Western Bulldogs wore the Samoan national colours and has sent some professional players to visit the islands on clinics. The team was later renamed the 'Kangaroos', after forging ties with the North Melbourne Football Club.

In early years, the game was typically played under derived rules known as 'Samoa Rules' and on rugby fields. [ [http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/articles/2002/08/10/1028158031757.html Team by team guide to the International Cup] from The Age. August 11, 2002]

The Australia Network began televising games in Samoa in 2002.

AFL players to visit Samoa for coaching clinics include Dermott Brereton, Brad Johnson and Steve Kretiuk.

Australian football competition went into recess in 2006 following the 2005 Australian Football International Cup. In 2007 the AFL Samoa's programs were reinvigorated under new development officer in Michael Roberts, mainly focussing on junior and schoolboys' development.

There is a full time development officer [ [http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php?story=20041217011228108&query=samoa Samoa's new Development Officer settles in] by Brett Northey for World Footy News. December 21 2004] funded by AusAid, a junior development program and a schoolboy's tournament. [ [http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php?story=20050622094640232 Schoolboys tournament kicks off in Samoa] by Jake Anson for World Footy News. June 26 2005 ] [ [http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php?story=20040914203802639&query=samoa Leulumoega Fou College defends Samoan secondary schools championship] by Jake Anson for World Footy News. September 20 2004]

Participation

In 2004, Samoa had a total of 246 players including 80 senior players in 4 teams consisting of over 80 players and 166 juniors in six school sides. [ [http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php?story=20050111085421906 World Footy Census 2004 - Oceania] by Brett Northey for worldfootynews.com]

According to the 2007 AFL International Census, these figures have not changed. [ [http://www.afl.com.au/Portals/0/afl_docs/2007_International_Census_Sheet_240807.pdf AFL International Census 2007] ]

Over 5000 primary school children have experienced a 6 week plus program in 2007 with programs designed for each sector of primary school children developing skills from fundamental motor skils, body awareness activities and game specific skills.Fact|date=July 2008

The programs in primary schools year levels are titled 'Reach for the stars'(K-2) , Kicking Goals (3-5), Let them Fly (6-8).

High profile players

Aaron Edwards is a professional Samoan football player in the Australian Football League.

Fia Tootoo has represented Samoa on numerous occasions in the Australian Football International Cup and plays football semi-professionally in Australia. [- [http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php?story=20050731082304567Samoan star profiled online] by Jake Anson for World Footy News. July 31 2005] [ [http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php?story=2004120604193450&query=samoa Samoa schoolboys too strong in Pacific clash] by Brett Northey for World Footy News. December 06 2004]

Rambo Tavana and Mikaele Pesamino began as Samoa Rules juniors, playing for Samoa in the 2002 Australian Football International Cup and now represent Samoa in rugby union.

amoa Rules

Samoa Rules is a game derived from Australian rules football that has also been played in Samoa. The game is played on rugby fields and each team consists of 15 players per side.

Unlike Australian rules football, player movement is restricted to zones (similarly to Rec Footy). There is a line across the centre that backs and forwards can not cross. Onballers are allowed to go anywhere.

The Vailima Six-Shooters' Championship began in Samoa in 1998 under these rules, becoming known as "Samoa Rules". A number of Samoa Rules players went on to represent Samoa in the Samoan national Australian rules football team, known as the "Bulldogs".

External links

* [http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=2-3651-0-0-0 AFL Samoa]

References