Four Europeans make World XVIII team
In a first for AFL Europe and the region, 4 players have been selected to represent the World XVIII in the 2013 NAB U/16 National Championships in Australia this July. In a show of the progression being made in Europe and the work of the talent staff, coaches and benefits of the Easter Series the record 4 players will arrive in Sydney in early July for a short training camp before taking on the best kids in Australia and the Pacific.
Meet the representatives:
Cameron Cope
DOB: 8/10/1994
Height: 180cm
Weight: 75kg
An explosive athlete that has learnt the game in the English equivalent of a football factory under coach Ian Mitchell in Wolverhampton. Cameron has represented England at the Euro Cup and is sure to be a star of the national team for many years to come. His performances at the 2013 AFL Europe Combine in Ireland and then the Easter Series have shown that he has all the tools to impress on the trip to Australia and is sure turn some heads with his blistering pace and athletic jump.
Victor Petersen
Our youngest ever representative on the European Legion team in 2013 Victor made a big first impression. His work throughout the week and willingness to learn puts him on a path to follow in the footsteps of Danish trailblazers like Aksel Bang and Mikkel Kjoege that have made the trip to Australia before him. His big frame and strength over the ball will be a feature and with good pedigree (Dad still plays in the DAFL) he is one to watch as a future leader of the Danish Vikings.
Club: Farum Cats
DOB: 23/8/1996
Height: 186cm
Weight: 81kg
Colin Kenny
Colin came to the attention of our talent identification team in Ireland during his school, Gallen CS’ run to All Ireland victory. An outstanding athlete he has won county U14 and U16 Gaelic Football titles with his club, but he has also impressed on the Rugby field. This year he has been a part of Connacht Rugby’s U-16 Development squad, something which should aid him tremendously in adapting to the oval ball and mean the tackle will not present him with any fears.
Club: Ferbane/Belmont GAA(Offaly)
DOB: 18/1/1997
Height: 185cm
Weight: 89kg
David McGivney
It’s been quite a start to 2013 for David McGivney, in February he was part of the Longford Vocational Schools team which won the Leinster Championship, a month later he captained his school Cnoc Mhuire, Granard to a one point win in the All Ireland U18 Final in Croke Park, and he has been dominating in his second year on the Longford Minor team. All of that success has followed on from a League and Championship double with his U16 Club team, Northern Gaels in 2012. David has shown tremendous leadership for such a young player and will bring height, determination and tremendous stamina to the World XVIII this year. His neighbour from Longford, Michael Quinn holds the distinction of having the fastest debut in the AFL for Essendon, who knows maybe this young man is set to follow in his footsteps.
Club: Northern Gaels GAA(Longford)
DOB: 9/2/1996
Height: 189cm
Weight: 90kg
