Also known as "Aussie Rules" or "Footy," this sport is considered Melbourne's main religion. Although the whole country now takes pride in this local game, it originated in the state of Victoria, and Melbourne remains the best place to see a match.
The game consists of 18 players on each team and is played on an oval-shaped field. The rules are an interesting mix of laws derived from rugby and Gaelic football. Players can kick or punch the ball (but not throw it), and they can run with the ball, as long as they bounce it every 15 meters. The game is extremely physical and although tackling and bumping is completely acceptable, pushing will draw a penalty. A ball kicked between the two larger goal posts without being touched is a goal and worth six points. A "behind" which is worth 1 point can be scored a variety of ways. Giving it a Go - Play Footy While Abroad Whether you've always been an athlete or just want to get some exercise while gaining a unique insight into Aussie culture, you should consider playing Footy while in Australia. The USAFL in conjunction with the AFL have set up a program at many universities in Australia, specifically for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students, to help introduce you to “Aussie Rules Football”. To find out if your host university is part of this program please contact Tony Fairhead. Tony is on the USAFL’s Australian Advisory Board. He is based in Perth, WA and has a network of people around the country that will help you get immersed in the exciting cultural experience that is Aussie Rules Football. Whether you are a girl or a guy, sporty or academic, Aussie Rules Football Clubs are always looking for volunteers to fill various on-field and off-field roles to keep them running. Aussie Rules Clubs are often the glue that keeps communities together in the winter and will provide you a wonderful opportunity to get an inside view of the “real Australia”.
….and when you return home we will help you stay involved with Aussie Rules Football here in the US. Contact James Waddell when you return and James will help you find your closest USAFL Aussie Rules Football club. James is based in Denver, CO and is a USAFL Board Member. The USAFL season runs from April to October “
"That's a mark!" - Play Footy here in the States and Canada USA  These days, Aussie Rules is growing more and more popular around the States as well, thanks to an organization called US Footy. US Footy is an amateur sports organization dedicated to the development of Australian Football. They promote participation in Australian football through promoting awareness and knowledge of the Australian culture, by promoting a sense of community among USAFL clubs and club members, and by fostering women’s and junior programs across the United States.
There are currently 46 USAFL clubs, 25 MetroFooty leagues (adapted version of the game to better fit with U.S. field facilities), and six college clubs around the nation, plus a U.S. National Team called US Revolution. There are also 12 women's teams on the rise and two newly formed coed leagues across the U.S (see below). The USAFL season typically runs from July to October, with the season culminating with the National Championships.
The 2007 National Champions were the Denver Bulldogs. The victory gave them their sixth championship in eight years. The 2008 National Championships will be held in Colorado Springs, CO.
Whether you played while abroad, wished you could have and are looking to learn now, or simply want to
hear an Australian accent again, we strongly encourage you to get involved with your local Aussie Rules
club. All teams are always looking for players and fans, so give it a go! Find a club in your area today, or if one
doesn't exist yet where you live, US Footy will guide your through starting your own club.
Live in Denver or Baltimore? Give footy a go with a coed social league. No experience necessary... they'll teach you everything you need to know! Seasons start up again in the fall. Learn more: 
Denver Aussieball
Baltimore/Washington Ausball
CANADA: As with many things Australian, Canada has also fondly adopted footy as growing sport. AFL Canada is the governing body of Australian Football in Canada. AFL Canada was established in May 1989 when two clubs were formed and played in the inaugural Conacher Cup game in Toronto, Ontario. Since then, the game of Australian football in Canada has expanded to include seventeen clubs (including a ten team league in Ontario), a junior development program, and a national team. Click here to find a footy club near you. Did you play Aussie Rules while abroad? If so, we want to hear from you! Email alumni@globalinksabroad.orgv with your a brief description of your footy memories.
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