Launching AFL in Nepal

Being involved as the first major sponsor of the first AFL team in Nepal, the Himalayan Leopards, is without a doubt one of the most exciting but also most random projects that I have been involved with in this wonderful country. It is great to see interest in Australian culture in Nepal to be at such a point that this concept is even possible.

For me the most exciting aspect is the number of students who have previously studied in Australia who are looking to the great game of AFL. Their enthusiasm to make this project work is clearly contagious for the students who are being introduced to the game for the first time. Their work behind the scenes to gain accreditation from AFL Asia has been tireless. Also thanks to AFL for being so accommodating and open to expansion of the Aussie game.

The logistical discussions which I have been involved with simply to make appropriate goal posts were quite amusing but equally serious at the same time. What materials could be used to make the goal and behind posts strong enough, safe enough and mobile enough at the same time? After ruling out metal and plastic piping due to safety and cost concerns it was decided that bamboo posts would be meet those requirements and had the added advantage of being pretty cheap to replace.

Discussions are well underway to introduce teams in Kathmandu, Chitwan and several other locations throughout Nepal. For those interested in helping expand the game of AFL in Nepal please drop me a message and I will put you in touch with the people behind scenes making this dream a reality.

The goal is for one day for Nepal to be represented across Asia in the AFL Asia confederation. I am sure that one day this dream will become a reality.

In the meantime, Go the Himalayan Leopards!

For the record: I grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney at a time when supporting AFL was not cool, rugby league was the game in town then. The game of AFL has grown to a point in Sydney where it has become a mainstream sport. The AFL expansion model is an example of great marketing to break down barriers and gain acceptance.