27 August 2008
Australian government uses footy to deepen sport and business links with India
The Australian government through its trade promotion arm Austrade is working with the AFL to use Aussie Rules to do business with India.
A record 15 countries are participating in the Australian Footy International Cup in Warnambool, Melbourne between August 27 and September 6, including for the first time an Indian team.
Austrade and the AFL promoted a footy match in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, which brought Australian and local companies together in a business networking function. Austrade and the AFL hope to take this model to other countries, including India and South Africa.
Simon Crean, Minister for Trade and a passionate supporter of the North Melbourne Football Club, welcomed the arrival of international teams to Australia.
“The International Cup is an excellent platform to build sport and business links with India. I would like to congratulate the AFL for this initiative. The Government will continue to work with them to assist in promoting our great game overseas.”
“I would like to wish all the teams competing in the footy competition all the very best of luck over the next two weeks.”
AFL General Manager National and International Development David Matthews said he was delighted an Indian team would compete in the International Cup later this month.
"AFL India was formed 18 months ago in Calcutta. With cricket ovals vacant in winter months, there is a great opportunity for Australian Football to become a sporting option for young Indian boys and girls throughout the country. We look forward to the game's growth in the years ahead," Mr Matthews said.
Mr Balraj Singh, former AFL Crows player and mentor to the Indian team, said he was excited to be sharing his passion for AFL football with the Indian team.
"I have been working with the Indian team to hone their skills on the football field. The side shows great promise and as the sport gains popularity in India, more people will want to be involved and this will lift the standard of play," Mr Singh said.
Austrade has a track record of using high profile sporting events as a platform to develop Australian business. The Business Club Australia program was first run at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Since then, Austrade has run Business Club Australia at a range of international events and the biggest effort outside of Australia has been in Beijing for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Business Club Australia is a proven success story of how sport and business can mix to deliver trade and investment results for Australian business.
Photo Opportunities - the Indian football team that will travel to Australia this month
- 1st game India vs. Samoa - Wednesday 27 August at 1pm McAlister Oval, Royal Park
- Training session with Essendon FC - Thursday 28 August at approx 3pm – 5pm, Windy Hill
- 2nd game India vs. NZ - Friday 29 August at 1pm Western Oval, Royal Park
Media Inquiries: Mr Crean's office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555