Lovin' the Footy Culture

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Australian flag
Since migrating to Australia in 2011 from the Philippines, I never became a fan of Australian rules football or simply known as the Australian Football League (AFL). I did not understand the rules so I never took an interest in this sport. AFL is one of Australia's cultures that impacts its community and economy and I did not realize that, which causes me to feel bad.

I arrive in Australia as an only child. When I turned 15, my younger brother came into this world. As he grew up, I never mentioned anything about football or anything that associates with men. However, at the same time, I was concerned that he might not know anything about this culture when he commenced attending school.  The reason behind this is his friends and classmates will certainly talk about footy while I can feel that he has no idea about their conversations and even out of the topics. This is also a struggle for me, as I stay in this nation, I was never aware of anything that is relevant to footy which makes me segregated from my friends and not being able to immerse myself with their culture as I know that this is not me who forces myself to the things that are a contrast to my personality. I know that Australia is very diverse which I am thankful but at the same time I want to cherish their culture, therefore, I would feel belongingness in this nation. Although I have been granted my Australian citizenship and can talk footy a lot, this does not mean that I have already forgotten my background. On the contrary, I aim to represent my own food and culture at the same time. 


This is how I started to immerse myself in AFL before now:


Well, what I will narrate here sounds very weird! I know! I never even saw this coming! Haha!  While in college, there was a guy in my class whom I assume shows interest in me by looking at and copying my actions. As I got tempted to know this guy more, I started to look at him through different media. It's so creepy for me personally haha! But don't worry guys, I just got over him very quickly! 😜 

I saw some of his pictures through his friend's profile and when I look at his friend's posts, I just found out that his friend is aiming to be picked by one of the AFL clubs. I kept searching for his friend on the Internet and slowly attracted to him. The attraction commenced sparking and while it is there, I searched for the facts and trivia relevant to AFL. This gave me the realization that the AFL has a major impact on the community as well as on its economy.

AFL Logo


I also learned that this culture is growing rapidly around the world. Although, I wasn't as 'Aussieish' as other natives here, my interest in footy has gone far! I was also overwhelmed (in a great way of course!) that my home country, the Philippines, has a governing body called the Philippines Australian Football League. So, I am so so so proud to let my other Aussie mates that my nation recognises this sport too! 


The AFL club is consisting of 18 teams nationwide. One of my favorite teams is called Geelong Football Club nicknamed 'The Cats.' One of the programs that I love about the club is how they are involved in the community and encourage each individual of different diversity to gain their esteem needs.

This year 2019, I was surprised that I have developed a massive interest in this culture. I am so thankful that because of this little way, I started to be confident about talking and developing and adapting to this culture despite the fact that I was not raised in this culture. Surprisingly, I am saying that I am an AFL Grand Finals baby because I was precisely born on the day the two teams were playing for the trophy (although I was born outside the land of down under 🤫). 

Hopefully, in the future, there would be so so so many opportunities to take in the AFL world whether it is for careers, recreational, support, or community work. AFL is an amazing sport not because of how the athletes are great players but because what I learned about watching the sport is mateship. 

Hopefully, next time, I can go to the next home game to take several photos so I can share them all with ya!

See yous! 

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