Masters Football Carnival to Kick Off in Darwin

Darwin has been announced as the host city for the 2008 National Masters Australian Football Carnival.

The National Board of Masters Australian Football confirmed the announcement, in front of 1,300 players and family members, at the presentation night of this year’s Carnival in Sydney.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Kon Vatskalis said the carnival was a huge draw card for older footballers and their families across Australia and would bring more than 1,500 people to Darwin in the shoulder season.

“Our modern sporting facilities, great lifestyle and unique tourist attractions secured this carnival which will be an action packed week of footy,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The carnival will attract over 900 competitors with more than 100 officials and 500 family members. They will cap off the week with the final Presentation Night being held at the new Darwin Convention Centre.

“Masters sport across Australia is growing at a rapid rate and it is fantastic to see people keeping active and participating in sport, at any age.

“The Northern Territory Government is proud to support this event with $20,000 from the sport and tourism portfolios as well as in kind event management support.”

Over 35 teams are expected to compete in Darwin across the five divisions. Ages of the players range from 35 years to over 55 with all games to be played at TIO Stadium and Marrara Cricket Ground.

General Manager of AFL Masters Mr Neil King said they couldn’t wait to come to Darwin.

“Darwin has been the most requested city by the players and their families for the past four years,” Mr King said.

“This will be the most anticipated carnival. Normally held the week after the AFL Grand Final, we expect that the 2008 Darwin carnival will be the largest Australian Rules Football carnival ever held in Australia.

“Based on previous economic impact studies the 1,600 visitors will stay for an average of 10–14 days and spend over $4 million in the Northern Territory.

“The carnival will be promoted throughout the Australian Masters football fraternity by a promotional DVD on the Darwin carnival and Darwin’s facilities and tourist attractions.”

Contacts: Minister Vatskalis Tiffany Stodart 0401 118 411

General Manager MAF Neil King 0409 361 644

Related files:
vatskalis.070907.mastersaustralianfootball.pdf ( 78.89 kb )