Talking Footy

NSWAFL wrote:

Catalonia has it's own provincial government, seperate from Madrid. Read up on Spanish politics. Andorra's the same IIRC. Why list Catalonia seperately on both the RLFF list AND AFL Europe if it's a part of Spain, huh?

Link for the Netherlands please. They are not members of the RLFF. And links for the rest, because Serbia and Croatia HATE each other!

Rugby League in the Netherlands could be set for a boost with new Dutch rugby league club, the Rotterdam Spartans aiming to gain a license into the Super League by the end of their 10 year plan.

Known as Sparta, the new club has ambitious plans to launch Netherlands rugby league into greater heights under the guidance of Rotterdam Spartans Rugby League Chairman Mr Philip Kimmet who describes himself as a motivator and places important on delegation and transparency.

The Spartans will be based in the city of Rotterdam that boasts a population of 620,000 as the second largest city in the Netherlands. The Spartans are in the process of attracting home and away fixtures against UK or French rugby league clubs over the summer months for 2012, at this stage strong interest is shown by leading British amateur and conference level teams. The Spartans will than likely target playing in the UK (either conference or CC1).

As part of their 10 year plan, Sparta aim to be a highly respected and internationally recognised club with the club goal central to the Nederlands Rugby League Bond's efforts to develop a strong domestic league, as Philip says "at least the equivalent of rugby union, albeit characterised by a culture of excellence and achievement underpinned by strong family values that strikes a chord with Nederlanders feeling somewhat disenfranchised by hooligan behavior at football matches."

The revelation comes to fruition with the initiative of Sparta Rugby with a brand new 5 Million Euro (funded) facilities being developed for joint use by Rugby League and Union through the Rotterdam City Council. The joint project will open from May 1st 2012, which will optimise ground usage, generate revenue over the bar in the summer and overrule cricketers wanting a pitch on the field. The new premises will feature a large clubhouse, indoor training facilities, state of the art gym and player accommodation, while upon opening will only have a grassed bank around the field, but grandstands can be developed upon further league requirements and spectator interest.

Spartans have been in the process of inviting clubs from Europe to participate for friendly matches at the new ground, while also looking to play matches away on tour prior to May 1st. Rotterdam Spartans are hoping to play at least one CC1 semi pro club. Visiting clubs will receive support from the Spartans in their stay with travel and accommodation assistance through potential Sparta's corporate sponsors with travel packages. The Sparta Board have the goal of attracting ten clubs to their new ground from 2012 May and are confident in having a strong record with the Board already confirming teams "Siddal, Leigh Miners, Bank Quay Bulls and Chester Gladiators, are all keen to play us at home, while Leeds Akkies are hopeful and we are confident we can provide the venue for the Netherlands residents side's annual game against Oxford University. We are also confident of attracting representative sides such as the UK Firefighters, Army Services teams and East England."

The Sparta are in the process of recruiting a number of international players through young talented Australasian players to relocate to the Netherlands, while looking to gain a chance at a professional career in future. They will set the bar high with the club looking for high standard opposition and looking to establish a winning culture from the outset with high competitiveness.

The question on reader's lips may be - but how will this rugby league expansion be funded while other league expansion has failed? Philip outlines that many potential sponsors have been approached already since the initiative began, but says "the Spartans do not underestimate the enormity of building a new sporting culture in a country dominated by football", but realise despite the current economic climate they will be taking small steps toward their goals, intending to be well positioned when the economy picks up.

Rotterdam possesses the largest port in Europe ensuring the economy stays robust meaning the city naturally has many large businesses that could be potential sponsors. The Spartans believe positive media attention in the nation and the UK (with rugby league media) will help achieve stronger financial support, but only through strengthening the product they can sell: establishing a strong winning culture to attract fans, exotic location and credible business plan, after potential sponsors feedback on exposure and an having an expanding supporter base. A major part of the potential Spartans (on and off-field) success will be the essential task of gaining the media exposure and long term viability. Spartans will be partnering with Sportief Capelle, a local government sporting agency (again with Rotterdam Topsports included) we extensive media and promotional contacts. While more support through a government body called Rotterdam Topsports would also help their cause, as the agency was commissioned to establish the city as a sporting capital in Europe.

NSWAFL wrote:

Tell both AFL Europe and the RLFF that, bub. They list Catalonia SEPERATELY!

NSWAFL wrote:

Look who's talking. All talk, no action. That's you, Parra. Stop whining and start proving your point.

King-Eliagh wrote:

Raiderdave wrote:

NSWAFL wrote:

18 countries played, so with a full interchange bench of 4 that totals at least 396 players. And don't forget that more than 18 countries play the game!

18 countries embarrased themselves when they bumbled .. fumbled ... & missed even worse then AFL players do for a few weeks
watched by no body .....

we have 14 nations who will play in our next world cup in 2013
6 of them will contain professional players who earn a living playing our game ...
they will play before tens of thousands at grounds .. & millions on TV

do not compare your codes shits n gigglefest .. with our world cup
they are on different planets

K

Everyone says Dave doesnt make valid points. Personally, what those AFL supporters do to Raiderdave is bordering on bullying and abuse and its just great Raider can take it on the chin and move on, as is the way the fightclub forum would intend.

Anyho can any of the AFL mob refute Raiders claims above? I.e. players earning a living from the game, tens of thousands of spectators and millions on tv as opposed to a small fraction of this support for int AFL, the impossibility of comparing international AFL with rl in light of these comments. Anyone of the AFL "debate team" able to debate with the much bullied dave on this one?