AFL Europe is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Australian Spirit team to compete in the 9th Annual ANZAC Cup in Villers-Bretonneux, France.
Last year, Gemma Kaslar and Yolanda Jones of the Coolangatta Blues flew over to take part, and this year it could be you.
The small town of Villers-Bretonneux in Northern France has a strong connection with Australian Armed Forces. On 24th April 1918, the town was captured by German forces. Overnight the Australian troops retaliated and by dawn on the 25th April 1918 the town had be retaken.
The ANZAC Cup is played between the Australian Spirit team and French National side for both men and women and is part of the ‘Australia Week’ celebrations held in Villers-Bretonneux in the lead up to ANZAC Day.
Players are expected to arrive in VB on the afternoon of Saturday the 22nd of April, with matches being played on the Sunday. Participants are expected to stay until the Dawn Service on ANZAC Day.
The ANZAC Cup costs £100 per player and includes; full playing kit, jacket, 3-nights billeted accommodation, dinner on the Saturday evening and lunch on the Sunday.
Applications are welcome from any Australian or New Zealander with selection for the weekend emphasised on a player’s personal connection to WW1 and the Armed Forces and not purely footballing ability.
Players interested in applying for the 9th Annual ANZAC Cup should express interest to ben.durance@afleurope.org to receive an application form. Application forms need to be returned by Friday 10th February to be considered.
Check out some of the footage from last year’s ANZAC Cup as shot by Channel 7 below.
