Round 10 of the MPJFL season saw an exciting new initiative come to life, with the launch of an International Exchange Program between the Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League and AFL New Zealand.
New Zealand born Cooper Clark represented the South Mornington Junior Football Club in a historic moment for the relationship between the MPJFL and AFL New Zealand, kicking two goals in a win against Sorrento over the weekend. Earlier this year, Cooper represented the AFL New Zealand Academy against the MPJFL, competing against a side that featured five of his newly formed teammates at South Mornington.
In a highlight of Cooper’s stay in Melbourne, he and his teammates will attend the top-of-the-table clash between Melbourne and Brisbane this coming Friday night. The opportunity to attend our countries premier venue, the MCG, will hopefully be an experience to remember for the aspiring young footballer.
The relationship between the MPJFL and AFL New Zealand has continually developed over the past 8 years, with a shared passion for Australian Rules Football the cornerstone of the exciting international collaboration.
With Cooper in Australia for one last game this weekend, we hope that the experience creates long lasting memoires for he and his teammates, and ignites a long term exchange initiative that creates cross-cultural opportunities for many years to come.
The MPJFL would like to thank the South Mornington Junior Football Club for their willingness to engage with this initiative, and for facilitating a positive experience for Cooper and his family.
Planning is now underway to expand on the foundations of this exchange program, with exciting and innovative opportunities in the pipeline for both participants of the MPJFL, and the young aspiring footballers across the Tasman Sea.
Spots for the 2024 MPJFL New Zealand Tour are filling up fast. If you are interested in participating, please contact your club to submit a expression of interest!
