Devil of an idea for new team (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Devil of an idea for new team

AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL: SWINDON'S growing Australian population has spawned the town's first Aussie Rules Football team.

The brainchild of 28-year-old Keith Turner, the Swindon Devils have been formed to cater for his fellow Aussie ex-pats as well as Swindonian sportsmen wishing to sample something a little different.

The team will be based at Swindon Rugby Club's Greenbridge Road site and will play in the BAR Football League's Regional Premiership alongside the likes of Bristol and Reading.

Initial response to Turner's 'taster sessions' at Ridgeway School have been good and he hopes the link up with the town's rugby club will help his scheme expand.

Turner, who lives in Blunsden with his English girlfriend Sam, said: "Games will be 12 a-side which is reduced from the usual 18 a-side, but we will still need a squad of 20 plus players.

"Numbers on paper look good but it's a case of getting everyone in the same place at the same time.

"Now Swindon Rugby Club have given us a base and we will be training every Thursday at 6pm.

"Our involvement with them gives us extra credibility and we also hope to pick up some of the rugby players during the summer when their season ends.

"The game is traditionally a winter sport in Australia but there is no way we can compete with the winter sports over here at this stage.

"The sport is growing, particularly in London where most Australians seem to go in this country.

"But you'd be surprised how many of us there are in Swindon these days too."

Adelaide-born Turner, a teacher at Ridgeway School, was a keen 'footy' player in his native Australia and has also turned out for the Bristol Dockers since uprooting to England three years ago.

He is inviting allcomers to his new squad, regardless of ability or background.

Aussie Rules novices are welcome, so it doesn't matter if you don't know your Adelaide Crows from your Sydney Swans.

Turner said: "It's a physical, free-flowing game suitable for anyone regardless of speed or size there is a position for everyone.

"All you need is good hand-eye co-ordination and a willingness to run."

As well as the rugby club, assistance has also arrived from Australian-themed bar Walkabout, whose manager Shane Thompson has agreed to sponsor the venture.

The financial backing will help fund kit, balls and the additional side posts used to flank the main uprights.

n Anyone interested in training with the Swindon Devils should contact Turner on 07985 161495.