The Nashville Kangaroos have solidified their allegiance to North after a meeting with club chief operating officer Cam Vale.
Vale met up with Nashville president Clint Milner and several players, exchanged team jumpers and began what’s hoped to be a mutually beneficial relationship.
“When you meet these guys it’s clear just how much they love and miss North Melbourne being over here. They bleed royal blue and white,” Vale told kangaroos.com.au from the United States.
The Nashville Kangaroos compete in the Mid American AFL; the strongest league in the USA under the USAFL banner and in 2012, will play nine games against other US states, before playing the National Tournament in Mason, Ohio, as well as two other tournaments in Atlanta, Georgia and Louisville, Kentucky.
Although Nashville is mostly made up of Americans who have fallen in love with Australian Rules, there are several expatriates like Milner who grew up playing the game.
“I have supported North Melbourne my entire life and when I came to America, I couldn’t just let my passion for the club fade away,” Milner explained.
“Being involved with the Nashville Kangaroos helps me stay involved with the game I love the most but most importantly, it allows me to spreads the word about Aussie Rules and show the people of here why it’s the best game in the world.
“Once Americans understand the game, they fall just in love with it.”
Vale said he couldn’t help but be swept up in the Nashville players’ enthusiasm.
“They’re extremely passionate about our game and do everything they can to promote AFL to the locals,” Vale added.
“I was really impressed by the US players and also found out they are all actively involved with the AFL’s Dream Team competition and follow the game online.
“Nashville is a great sports loving city and the passion the locals have here reminds me a lot of Melbourne.”
For more information visit nashvillekangaroos.org
 |
| Left-right: Eliot Kerner, Luke Stockdale (back), Clint Milner (Nashville president), Mike Guinsburg, Dave Walker, Cameron Vale (NMFC chief operating officer) |
