Backed by the UK Sports Minister, the Aussie Rules Schools program was a major success. Participation figures increased from 0 in April 2005 to more than 10,000 by the time I returned to Melbourne.
A senior national league was also created, with teams established throughout the UK. An annual European Championship was also created.
Major achievements included:
- Over 10,000 children participating in the Aussie Rules Schools program
- Inclusion in the London Youth Games, Europe’s largest junior sports tournament
- Half-time junior matches played during the annual AFL match at The Oval in London
- National media coverage (see the videos below for some examples)
- Major support and funding from the UK government and corporate
- Touch Aussie Rules (mixed & non-contact) spring and summer leagues in London
- Delivery of coaching accreditation courses for both umpires and school teachers
- Establishment of Auskick centres in various locations in London
- Hosting of the inaugural EU Cup in London, with 10 countries attending
- Inaugural international junior match (Under 14) in Europe, between England and Denmark in Copenhagen, with England winning the King Canute Cup
- Second junior international match in Europe, with England defeating Sweden in Stockholm to win the Waterloo Cup
- Establishment of the ARUK Under 16 Junior League in London
- First ever Women’s footy match in Europe (ANZAC Sports Challenge, London)
- Aussie Rules Gala Day in London involving more than 300 children from 19 schools
- Great Britain Junior Bulldogs (Under 16) trip to Australia, defeating an Australian team on Australian soil
- Establishment of the ARUK National League, with 17 senior clubs competing in 3 separate Divisions – North, South & Central
- England Dragonslayers crowned European champions after winning the 2008 EU Cup in the Czech Republic
- Establishment of the annual Dragon Cup between England and Wales
- Inaugural Kangaroo Cup between England and the Irish Exiles
