Footballers from all corners of the globe arrived in Sydney last weekend to take part in the 2011 International Cup, which is now well underway.
The GIANTS home ground at Blacktown International Sportspark will continue to host matches until Saturday August 20 and the carnival will then travel to Melbourne at Royal Park on Wednesday August 24 and Friday August 26.
The unique Australian football carnival involves 18 teams: Canada, China, Denmark, Fiji, France, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Japan, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peace Team (comprising of both Israeli and Palestinian players), Sweden, South Africa, Timor Leste, Tonga and USA.
It is the fourth International Cup and four nations will make their debut; Fiji, France, Timor Leste and Tonga. For the first time five women’s teams will also participate; Canada, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, USA and a combined Australian multicultural and Indigenous team.
Blacktown International Sports Park held the Inaugural Festival of Nations on the opening day last Saturday. The opening of the festival was a huge success with cultural food stalls and activities such as face painters, jumping castle, kids’ clinics and the football action.
Following the opening day seeding round, teams have been placed in two divisions. To see the fixture, visit www.ic11.com.au after 9pm Saturday August 13.
Follow the International Cup on Twitter @AFLIC11 and Facebook AFL International Cup.
What: AFL International Cup 2011
Where: Blacktown International Sportspark
When: August 13-August 20
Entry: Free
