The seven-day carnival has been expanded to 12 teams with the inclusion of the AFL’s Indigenous Youth side, the Flying Boomerangs, and the Western Australia North-West team.
AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan said more players have the chance to participate in the championships.
“In 2012 players from throughout Australia and the world will be in Sydney to compete.
“The introduction of the WA North-West team is a great initiative that will give players in remote communities the chance to train and play together, improve their skills and give them every opportunity to pursue their football careers.
“Our international teams, the World XVIII and South Pacific, both registered wins last year proving they have the talent to pursue our game to the highest level,” he said.
The South Pacific team includes players from Tonga, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa.
The World XVIII is comprised of players from multicultural backgrounds living in Australia and nine overseas-based players. Sudan, USA, Denmark, India, South Africa and Indonesia are some of nations represented.
The Flying Boomerangs is a personal development and leadership program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men that are 14-15 years of age. The squad was selected following the AFL KickStart Under-15 Championships which were held in April.
Players from the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions will represent the WA North-West team. The team is predominately Indigenous and was selected following a talent camp held in Broome in April.
Four former AFL players are coaching:
NSW/ACT Tadgh Kennelly
World XVIII Xavier Clarke
WA North West Phil Narkle
Flying Boomerangs Andrew McLeod
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