Football fever: Aussie Rules coming to Expo

By Wang Hongyi | China Daily | Updated: 2009-11-28 07:27

Australian rules football fans in Shanghai will have a chance to cheer on their favorite teams in a showdown between Melbourne and Brisbane at next year's World Expo.

The game taking place on Oct 17 at Shanghai Jiangwan Stadium is being organized by the Australian Football League (AFL) with the aim of expanding its presence in China.

"The AFL is trying to use the World Expo as a platform to exhibit this truly unique and indigenous Australian sport to the country's large audience," said David Matthews, general manager of national and international development for the AFL.

"We are extremely excited to be able to bring Australia's indigenous game and all its unique skills to Shanghai as we continue to develop the code internationally."

Australian football star Jason Akermanis made a stop in Shanghai last week ahead of the expo to entice budding fans to the sport by giving primary school students a few pointers.

"They did very good," Akermanis said about the progress made by the kids. "For a lot of them, it was their first time experiencing the sport, and I'm sure they will become even better with more practice."

Australian rules football relies on different rules than regular soccer and has a faster pace. The country's most popular game that has been around for 150 years draws some 7 million people to AFL matches every year. Fans are mostly Australian but the sport also attracts its fair share of international followers.

To broaden its fan base in China, the AFL will introduce sports programs to primary schools and universities in Shanghai starting in February. They will also send athletes and coaches to help the Chinese students improve their game.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd described the partnership between the AFL and the municipal government as a welcome addition to China-Australia relations and as an opportunity to showcase the best of Australian sport and its people.

"I am pleased that AFL will be on display in Shanghai during the World Expo next year as it is a sport that reflects Australia's national values of courage, enterprise, resilience and 'mateship'," said Rudd, in a written statement.