Over $100,000 is expected to be poured into the Western Sydney economy when the 2010 NAB AFL under-16 Championships kicks off in Blacktown from July 3 to 10.

The Championships will draw the best young players from around Australia to the home of AFL in Sydney's west with matches at Blacktown Olympic Park and Bruce Purser Reserve in Kellyville.

For the first time ever the event will attract up and coming international stars when players born outside of Australia showcase their talents on AFL's biggest stage.

The World XIII, comprised of players living in South Africa, China, Denmark, USA, England, Canada and Ireland, will travel to Sydney's Blacktown for the event as players vie for a spot on an AFL list in future drafts.

Being coached by Sydney Swans great Michael O'Loughlin, the team will certainly turn a few heads at the Championships with all 18 AFL club talent scouts looking on.

Also coming into the competition for the very first time is the South Pacific team. Coached by former Hawthorn star Trent Croad, the side includes players from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Somoa, Tonga, Naura, Solomon Islands and New Zealand.

The Blacktown based event will provide players with the perfect platform to be noticed by AFL clubs as the future stars of tomorrow are on show in Sydney's west.

Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Charlie Lowles said the Championships are helping to bring the best footballers to the new home of AFL in western Sydney.

"The NAB AFL under 16 National Championships will see over 200 competitors and their families make their way to Blacktown Olympic Park, the home of sport in western Sydney," Lowles said.

"Blacktown City is proud to host this event for the second consecutive year, and this year is sure to be nothing short of spectacular with AFL's most promising Rising Stars showcasing their talents."

Lowles said the benefits of the Championships don't just stop with player development as the local economy is set to be boosted by the event.

"Our local economy is sure to benefit from hosting this event, with tens of thousands of dollars being injected into local accommodation, restaurants and attractions," Lowles said.

"The Championships also provides a great opportunity for local AFL enthusiasts to get a glimpse of the AFL atmosphere in preparation for the new western Sydney AFL team, Team GWS, entering the competition in 2012."

Teams from NSW/ACT, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia will be represented at the Championships, along with the World XIII and South Pacific.

The top two teams from division one and two will progress through to the grand final to be played at the MCG prior to the 2010 Toyota AFL Grand Final.

Media Enquiries
Jordan Laing, Communications Coordinator
jordan.laing@aflnswact.com.au

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Media Contact :
Ros Pullen - Media & Marketing Officer - Blacktown Olympic Park - 9839 6595
Karla Wyatt - Promotions Assistant - Blacktown Olympic Park - 9839 6593