Playing Footy in Australia

Players are eligible to be involved in a player exchange program through programs such as Australearn Study Abroad, Notre Dame University in Fremantle, Western Australia and the WA Country Football League. Australian Football clubs provide players with an opportunity to spend a season playing with an inside view of the Australian Football culture. The program is managed by Tony Fairhead, Director of the USAFL Australian Advisory Board.

To learn more about the exchange program contact Operations Manager, Doren James, operations@usafl.com.

In addtition to the USAFL players who have the opportunity to live and play Down Under, New York Magpies Dan Lehane will compete in the 2011 Under 16 National Championships as a part of the World XVIII team.

Current players living and playing footy in Australia include:

Player

USAFL Club

Australian Club

Australian League
Jesse Leos Austin Crows Barwon Heads Football Club Bellarine Football League, VIC
Richard Wheelock Baltimore Washington Eagles   Alice Springs
Tyler Mounce Orange County Bombers North Fremantle Football Club WAAFL
Nathan Minshew Golden Gate Roos   WA Country League
Andrew 'Chip' Price Louisville Kings Carlisle Football Club WAAFL C2

 

Follow the players online:

Dan Lehane, New York Magpies

Dan Lehane is a 17 year old New York native who is in his fourth season with the New York Magpies. Dan has been selected in the World 18 team that will compete in the under 16 2011 NAB AFL U16 National Championships in Sydney, Australia during the week starting July 11.

Darren and I with Hirdy - I am sure the wisdom we emparted on the great man has led to the Bombers flyin start this year :)

Jesse Leos, Austin Crows

Diary of a Redneck Texan Down Under:
In February of 2011, Austin Crows star wingman Jesse Leos embarked on a trip of a lifetime down under to play a season with the Barwon Heads Football Club.  Below are his accounts of his journey thus far.

Image left: Darren  Gloster (Barwon Assistane Coach), Essendon Bombers coach James Hird (center) and Jesse Leos (right).

Tyler Mounce, Orange County Bombers

Ok, so after a lot of deliberation... it's official.  I will be playing for the North Fremantle Magpies this season!  I've trained with them for two weeks now, and I'm all registered to play.  Round one is April 9, and we open up against Whitford.  Although I must say I'm not particularly stoked about wearing a the Magpie strip... but it's a great club with awesome guys and a great coach, so I'm really stoked for the opportunity to play there.  Have a look at the website if you'd like to see what it's all about! (http://nfafc.com.au/).

2010 USAFL players that participated in the program were:

Player

USAFL Club

Australian Club

Australian League
Dan Sarbacker Milwaukee Bombers Mansfield Eagles Goulbourn Valley Football League, VIC
Zach Johns Seattle Grizzlies Fremantle CBC WAAFL
Eric Floyd Louisville Kings Kurkerin/Dumbleyung Cougars Upper Great Southern Football League, WA
Bryan Dragus Golden Gate Roos Western Magpies (Brisbane) QAFL
James Hildenbrand Phildelphia Hawks Newton/Condingup Esperance Districts Football Association