AFANA Footy BBS

I am trying to start up a new footie club in Columbus, Ohio. This is still in the formative stages and I am looking for interested parties. If anyone has any player contact information, is interested in playing, or has any advice on starting a club I would greatly appreciate it.

I am still new to the game but have found it to be so enjoyable and exciting that I think it could catch on in central Ohio. Thanks everyone!

Info on the club I am trying to start.

Christopher,

Good to hear that a club is forming in my "back yard" so to speak. Please keep me informed of developments. While I can't play, I'd be pleased to stop by a practice or a match once in a while.

Good luck!

Regards,

-Rob de Santos
AFANA Chairman
(Columbus, OH)

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Rob,

Do you think that Columbus can support a team? I think the way that central Ohio has accepted rugby union is a good sign.

If you have any information concerning players or locations for play I am researching these things at this time. I sent you guys a short letter today (not expecting to hear from the AFANA on this forum). I have found the e-mail addresses of 5-6 Aussie guys living in Columbus but have not yet contacted them. I will continue to post info here in an effort to reach interested people.

Thanks,
Christopher

Info on the club I am trying to start.

Christopher,

> Do you think that Columbus can support a team? I think the way that central Ohio has
> accepted rugby union is a good sign.

I'm not sure the success or failure of rugby tells us much. Probably the most significant indicator is the size of the community and it's overall sports attitude. From those factors, I'd say you have a good chance.

> If you have any information concerning players or locations for play I am
> researching these things at this time. I sent you guys a short letter today (not
> expecting to hear from the AFANA on this forum). I have found the e-mail addresses
> of 5-6 Aussie guys living in Columbus but have not yet contacted them. I will
> continue to post info here in an effort to reach interested people.

I don't have any great suggestions but look at soccer fields where you might be able to play "across" several fields. Public parks are another option.

AFANA is very "continental" in it's orientation. We are concerned with publicizing the sport across all of the US and Canada and thus we've never gotten much involved with any club on a local level. It's not our mission but we do want to see the sport grow wherever we can help it. I, obviously have a personal interest here.

Good luck and kept us advised.

-Rob de Santos
AFANA Chairman

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> If anyone has any advice on starting a club
> I would greatly appreciate it.

You have probably already checked with the USAFL web site, but just in case you haven't go to http://www.usfooty.com. They have a series of 'How To" documents on starting a club on their website.

I actually already have checked this site and the info there was quite helpfull. My main concern now is locating a core group of players that I can count on. From there I can recruit and convince increasing numbers of people. I feel confident that I can have success if I assemble a reliable and dedicated group to base the rest of the players around.

Info on the club I am trying to start.