AFL is expanding exponentially within this great region of the world. The HK Dragons are at the forefront of promoting the game of AFL at all levels through a multitude of mediums here in Hong Kong. In order understand how this growth is being fostered, President of AFL Asia Darren Whitfield explains what ‘footy’ organisations and leagues are operating in our back- yard.
With the amount of Footy being played around Hong Kong and Asia now people often ask “What is SCAFL?” Or “What is AFL ASIA?”. Here is a brief description of the leagues we play in!
South China Australian Football League (SCAFL): Originating as games between Hong Kong Dragons teams in 2011, now comprises the Macau Lightning, Chinese teams Guangzhou Scorpions and Guangdong Seagulls and Hong Kong Dragons three teams, the HK Typhoons, HK Cobras, Lantau Lizards. The SCAFL has recently been boosted by the Major Partnership with Port Adelaide Football Club! SCAFL season is Jan-
June, with monthly tournaments. Please come out to watch the spectacle of fast, short games played over a Saturday afternoon, free entry with Food and drinks available! (HK Rounds: March 21 and April 25)
Guangdong Australian Football League (GDAFL): within the SCAFL more local
chinese teams were created as a development league. Including Guangzhou
Scorpions, University Seagulls, Dongguan Giants, Huizhou Hawks and Zhianjiang
Pearl River Power added with the PAFC sponsorship in 2014. Also sponsored by Williamstown FC (VFL)
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WEB / IT – DARREN BRAKENRIDGE
TOURS & MERCHANDISE – JUSTIN BARBARO
HONG KONG DRAGONS 2015 COMMITTE
AFL Asia: Created in 2013 is the International Association overseeing 43 Australian Rules Football teams in Asia with 23 of them playing internationally, and several organised regional Leagues, across 17
Asian Countries. While Footy had been played in Asia since the Dragons started in 1990 by 2013 an As- sociation was considered essential for continued growth.
PRESIDENT – MARK MASTORES VICE PRESIDENT – GAVIN PARRY
Across Asia, AFL Asia logos are appearing on footy jumpers, shorts, merchandise and banners. With the
TREASURER – DWIGHT STUCHBERY CAPTAIN – DOM DUNN increased visibility, people outside of Asia – and people outside of footy in Asia – are starting to notice.
Greatly increase the visibility of footy in Asia.
SPONSORSHIP – DOM DUNN Encourage and facilitate the development of local players.
OPERATIONS – TIM SMITH
COACH – GARY WINES
VICE CAPTAIN – TIM SMITH DEPUTY VICE CAPTAIN – CHRIS BU
COMMUNICATIONS – JAMES CARLILE / ALEX OXFORD AFL Asia, as the regional alliance, aims to:
SOCIAL – CHRIS BURKE / JOSH MAHONY Provide greater structure and coordination.
LEAGUE LIASON OFFICER (AFL/SCAFL/AUSKICK) -
Use Australia’s signature sport asDaAvReRhEiNcleWHtoITpFroImELoDte Australian interests. Provide a catalyst and ongoing interest for Asia’s growing alumni of former players. Attract additional resources and sponsors to support the above.
On our website www.afl-Asia.com , AFL ASIA records and promotes countless international games and tournaments through- out the year including the annual “Asian Championships” held in October.
At last year’s AFL International Cup in Melbourne, AFL Asia hosted its competing member/affiliate countries, being Indonesia, China, Japan, India and Pakistan. We have received media coverage in Australia and Asia in metropolitan newspapers, tele- vision, radio and AFL websites.
“How good’s footy in Asia!”
Next month we will extraordinary story of AUSKICK in Hong Kong and what the future holds for this great concept.