AFL looks Overseas with international appointment

The Australian Football League (AFL) has appointed its first international development manager in a bid to grow the sport in overseas markets.

Australian Sponsorship News reports that the role has been given to former player and club commercial manager Tony Woods. His aims will be to identify new markets outside Australia and drive interest and participation in the sport in those areas.

The AFL's overseas presence currently includes:

• 3,000 international players, including more than 15,000 in South Africa;
• Junior development programs in South Africa, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and China; and
• An overseas match in China in October this year between Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions.

Image: Shanghai's Jiangwan Stadium will host an AFL exhibition game between Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions.

8th January 2008 - ONE BILLION AUDIENCE FOR BEIJING 2008