Growing international interest summons af2 to Japan
Published on January 19, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2) News Release
CHICAGO - A delegation of coaches and officials from arenafootball2 (af2) are on their way to Kawasaki, Kanagawa to conduct the first-ever Arena Football player combine and tryout on Japanese soil, the League office announced today. The combine and tryout will take place this weekend, January 22-23.
"This is a continuation of our response to the growing global demand for Arena Football," AFL Vice President of International Development and af2 President Jerry Kurz said. "There are some very talented players internationally and we look forward to drafting them into af2."
Among the group traveling to Japan are af2 head coaches David Alexander (Tulsa), Danton Barto (Memphis), Mike Hold (Macon) and Chris Siegfried (South Georgia). Tulsa offensive coordinator Mitch Allner, AFL International Development Coordinator Atsushi Suzuki and Jerry Kurz will also help facilitate the event.
Nearly 100 players will participate in the combine, including 2005 af2 International Draft candidates from Japan and Australia. Other participants include members of the Japanese X-League (Japan's premier semi-pro league) and collegiate players.
Players taking part in the combine will not only be looking to make an impression with Arena Football coaches, but will also be competing for a spot on roster of the All-Japan Samurai Warriors. The Samurai Warriors will travel to San Diego for a March 26 preseason game against the af2's Riptide.
Following the combine, the league plans to issue a report on all draft candidates in preparation for the 2005 af2 International Player Draft, which will be held on February 15. This year's draft will consist players from more than five countries including Japan, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and France. A rule change from 2004 allows af2 teams to dress a 20th player for games, so long as that 20th player is an International player.
SES Inc., the Arena Football League's development partner in Japan, has assisted in organization of this year's combine.
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