Clubs

With Aussie Rules UK experiencing a steady increase in enquiries from all corners of the United Kingdom we are in the process of forming a National League, which will kick off in April 2007. The 3 regions will be:

• Northern
• Southern
• Wales

Teams:

Northern
Newcastle Centurions, Middlesbrough Hawks, Hartlepool Dockers, Mancester Bees, Leeds Lions

South
Brighton Black Swans, Sussex Swans, Bournemouth Demons, Thanet Bombers, Southampton Titans

Wales
South Cardiff Panthers, Cardiff Double Blues, Swansea Magpies, Newport Tigers, Swindon Devils

The aim is to establish a minimum of 4 teams per region in 2007, although the more the merrier!

Having separate regions will greatly reduce the amount of travel for all teams involved as well as allowing different regions to develop the game at their own pace.

The first stage for anyone interested in finding out more about Aussie Rules is to register their interest with Aussie Rules UK so they can be put in contact with others in their area. Initially it may be a small group arranging to get together for a kick in the park followed by a beer at the local pub.

Once numbers grow to a dozen or so the formation of an Aussie Rules club can be considered. With Aussie Rules UK running various competitions throughout the season, a new club can take their development at a pace suited to them. The Pre-season Cup and UK Cup only require clubs to commit to one day for each. Aussie Rules UK can help in organising "friendlies" either against other newly formed clubs or against the more established clubs looking for an "away trip". Mixing and matching players of all levels of experience would be encouraged on these ocassions in order to generate a meaningful game for everyone involved.

Aussie Rules UK is also on hand to advise at every step of the development process from advertising for players to assistance and discounts on jumpers, footballs and other equipment.

Once players numbers are consolidated the next step would be to enter into one of the regional divisions. As discussed, for 2007 Aussie Rules UK is working towards having 3 divisions: Northern, Southern & Wales. Other divisions will be consider as demand grows.

So whether you are looking for a social kick of the footy in your local park or you have visions of your club securing your region's championship title, taking out the UK Cup or even qualifying for club action in Europe be sure to let Aussie Rules UK know about your enthusiasm.

Check back here on a regular basis for updates on developments in your area.