AFL Media Release

The AFL is pleased to announce the appointment of a Women’s Football Advisory Group.

Chaired by AFL Commissioner Major General Simone Wilkie, the 10-member group will meet quarterly to provide input in the inaugural national women’s competition which will commence in 2017.

AFL General Manager Game and Market Development Simon Lethlean said the panel will help shape recommendations for the new league.

“We feel there is a diverse mix of business leadership, coaches, players and football industry experience amongst the members to help guide our key decisions in the coming months,” he said.

“Concepts will be presented to the group and their feedback will assist in the development and operations of both the league and the continued expansion of the female football pathway.”

The Women’s Football Advisory Group will first meet on Thursday May 5.

Women’s Football Advisory Group

Major Gen Simone Wilkie – Chair and AFL Commissioner

Libby Gorr – media commentator

Debbie Lee – past player and stateswoman of female football

Susan Alberti – Western Bulldogs board member

Michelle Cowan – Melbourne Football Club assistant coach

Craig Starcevich – AFL Queensland female football talent manager

Holly Ransom – Port Adelaide Football Club board member

Jane Woodlands-Thompson – SANFL commission

Xavier Clarke – NT Thunder coach

Darcy Vescio – VFL Womens player

The AFL will launch a national women’s competition in early 2017.

Today, Friday April 29, is the deadline for AFL clubs to submit applications for a women’s team.

This year a series of women’s exhibition matches have been played featuring players who were members of state-based talent academies.

 Results of matches already played:

 Western Bulldogs defeated Melbourne on March 6

South Australia Blue defeated South Australia Red on April 12

Sydney Swans defeated GWS Giants on April 9

West Coast defeated Fremantle on April 9

Northern Territory defeated Tasmania on April 10

Brisbane Lions defeated Gold Coast Suns on April 16

Remaining matches:

Sunday May 22

Melbourne v Queensland at the MCG, 10.40am

Sunday June 5

Western Bulldogs v Western Australia at Etihad Stadium, 12.40pm

South Australia v New South Wales at Adelaide Oval, 1.10pm

Hampson-Hardeman Cup

Saturday September 3

Western Bulldogs v Melbourne at venue tbc, 7.20pm
  ...

In the wake of last weekend’s exciting debut by Collingwood’s American recruit Mason Cox, and the debut this weekend of Sudanese Swan Aliir Aliir, Sam Landsberger from the Herald Sun newspaper looks at the perspective of AFL recruiters in comparing international options.

No Surprise Irish Imports Adapt To AFL Easier Than Other Foreign Talents, Says Recruiting Guru

GARY Buckenara says it is not the luck of the Irish that Gaelic converts adapt to AFL far easier than talents poached from other codes around the globe.

The long-time Hawthorn recruiter says clubs tap into the foreign markets to unearth players hard to find in Australia — and that Ireland remains the No. 1 breeding ground because of the similarity between Gaelic and Australian football.

While America is the flavour of the month after Mason Cox’s heartwarming Anzac Day debut, 11 of the 18 overseas players on AFL lists are Irish with another three being hunted this year.

As a general rule, clubs are drawn to Gaelic players for their agility, speed and skills.

US basketballers appeal for height while African athletes can combine size and athleticism.

Kenyan-born Swan Aliir Aliir debuts against Brisbane on Sunday and AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan said US basketball recruiters have refined their search for Africans to ‘hot spots’ Sudan, Congo and Nigeria.

“They all offer something slightly different,” Sheehan said from last week’s AFL combine in Los Angeles, which was only attended by prospects at least 200cm.

North Melbourne and Richmond attended the US combine in the search for the next Cox.

Sudanese offer size while the Nigerians boast power, according to the US experts.

To read the complete article by Sam Landsberger, follow the link: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/no-surprise-irish-imports-adapt-to-afl-easier-than-other-foreign-talents-says-recruiting-guru/news-story/696261c34c5aa0cbeee6fd35593ccef4

Photo: Jim Stynes (Herald Sun) ...

Croatian International Josip Habljak's stats for his fourth game for Sturt SANFL club reserves, in a top versus bottom clash against Norwood were understandably not as impressive as last week where he was named amongst Sturt's best, no doubt because of his lone hand job in the ruck (31 hit-outs).

Sturt again lost this match 17-11 (113) to 6-4 (40). Josip's Champion Data stats has him recording two kicks, five handballs - three effective, one uncontested and one contested for a total disposal count of seven. He took one uncontested mark and recorded four handball receives. He was second ruck this game for 15 hit-outs for five clearances. He laid two tackles and had one each free kick for and against.

The 'Pain Train' has continued to do enough for his team as he has been named at full forward for the clash against Port Adelaide Magpies this Sunday 1st May.

This is possibly Sturt's best chance so far this year for a win as it is seventh versus ninth.

Full match stats can be found at:
http://www.sanfl.com.au/league/reserves_stats/all game stats ...

While Aussies were sleeping the Irish press reported that the 2016 International Rules Series has been scrapped. The past two series have seen only one-off games between the nations, but the two-match format is being revived for 2017.

GAA president Aogán Ó Fearghail told the GAA world in his statement that : "It was not possible to organise a two-game series in Australia this year and for that reason we have decided to take a long-term view of the series and press pause for 2016.

"The success of the last two series has been based on the ability of both teams to attract the finest talent to their ranks making for close, competitive and entertaining games.

"The aim of the series continuing in this vein is shared by both organisations and we believe these aspirations are best served by the staging of two games in a given year.

“We have committed to three Series for the moment, beginning in Australia in 2017 with the timing for the Irish and US events to be confirmed later in the year as to whether they should take place in consecutive years, every second year or some other combination.

"We look forward to working with the AFL in the planning of future series from 2017 onwards." ...

Following on from the announcement in Ireland the day before the AFL released their own statement on the IRS last night.

The GAA and the AFL today announced they would play a two-match International Rules Test Series in Australia in 2017.

It was also confirmed that, in addition, the Associations have committed to a further two-game Series in Ireland, as well as exploring the adaptation of the game for an exhibition Series in the United States in the future, as part of an agreement reached to play a further three series in all, each of two matches apiece, in the coming years.

Following on from the success of the two recent one-off Tests played in Australia (Perth in November 2014) and Ireland (Dublin in November 2015), the two controlling boards had agreed the appetite was there among fans, players and coaches of both countries to return to a two-Test series for a further three series, with the commitment of the elite players of both countries to be involved.

It had been agreed:

· Australia will host a two-match series in November 2017, with match venues to be determined later this year.

· Ireland will host a two-match series with the year and venues to be agreed.

· The GAA and the AFL will seek to play a two-match series in the United States.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail said; "It was not possible to organise a two-game series in Australia this year and for that reason we have decided to take a long term view of the series and press pause for 2016.

"The success of the last two series has been based on the ability of both teams to attract the finest talent to their ranks making for close, competitive and entertaining games. The aim of the series continuing in this vein is shared by both organisations and we believe these aspirations are best served by the staging of two games in a given year.

“We have committed to three Series’ for the moment, beginning in Australia in 2017 with the timing for the Irish and US events to be confirmed later in the year as to whether they should take place in consecutive years, every second year or some other combination”

AFL General Manager Football Operations Mark Evans said:

“The last two years of the International Rules matches played in 2014 and 2015 was able to showcase the best aspects of our two respective sports,’ Mr Evans said.

“The absolute best players in the AFL, all of whom had won at least one All Australian selection in their career, were able to come together and learn from each other and compete against an outstanding Ireland side in a great spirit with a fast, action-packed game. We were fortunate enough to win in Perth and then pipped at the line in Dublin last year by a high-class Irish side that rose to the occasion in front of their home fans and fully deserved their victory.

“A series over two matches, as we used to play, will enable the players from both our sides to spend more time with the elite players of their respective code, and to satisfy the demand for fans who want to see more than one match of the very best players competing for the Cormac Macanallen Trophy.

‘We look forward to hosting Ireland again, returning to Irish shores and exploring how we can take matches or exhibition games to the many expat Irish and Australians living in the US in the years ahead,” he said.
  ...

French US college basketballer Stanisas Heili tells Lindenwood University about last week's AFL US Combine experience and what the future might hold.

Meanwhile fellow Combine triallist Omari Gudul has put the call out to Twitter looking for Australian rules players "to come run with me" in San Angelo, Texas.

Both players are a strong chance to be invited by the AFL to Australia later this year to audition for AFL clubs and/or attend the National Draft Combine in Melbourne. ...

WE HAVE CONFIRMED WITH THE SYDNEY SWANS THAT THIS IS OPEN TO CLUBS IN AUSTRALIA ONLY.

The Sydney Swans are pleased to announce the Volkswagen Grassroots Grants program is back for 2016 with another $10,000 up for grabs for community AFL clubs.

The Swans and Volkswagen have again teamed up to offer 10 grants of $1000 each to help community clubs with initiatives such as facility improvements, new footballs, guernseys or training equipment.

For the chance to win a share of the $10,000, clubs should visit www.sydneyswans.com.au/vwgrassrootsgrants  and fill out the online application form by Sunday 29 May.

Last year, 10 lucky clubs from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia were chosen as the winners, with the grants being used to great effect.

Volkswagen General Manager Marketing Ben Wilks said the program is a great initiative.

“Volkswagen is proud to partner with the Sydney Swans in providing assistance to community AFL clubs all over Australia. We’re delighted to continue to support the fans that make AFL the special game it is.”

Swans forward and Volkswagen ambassador Kurt Tippett is encouraging football clubs from around the country to apply.

“It’s fantastic to see the Volkswagen Grassroots Grants program back again in 2016,” Tippett said.

“It’s a terrific initiative that can really make a difference for community footy clubs around the country.

“With the Volkswagen Grassroots Grants program now officially open, I encourage all clubs to head to the Swans website and apply.

“Clubs may even get a surprise visit from myself and some of my teammates later in the year!”

To apply for one of the 10 grants of $1000, visit sydneyswans.com.au/vwgrassrootsgrants and fill out the application form.

Applications are open from Monday 2 May until Sunday 29 May.
  ...

Over the last week the AFL South Pacific squad has battled it out in the Queensland Under 16 State Championships. Sides from across Queensland including Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, North Queensland, Brisbane South and Brisbane North. In the past we’ve seen sides from PNG participate in various levels of QLD regional/state championships. The standard continues to improve and the task for the South Pacific side was a tough one.

The match was close for 3 quarters, but a 2nd quarter goal blitz from the North QLD team set the game up for them. The South Pacific boys never gave up fighting to the end. Hawago had a terrific game off Half Back and Lonsey was strong and hard at the contest at both ends of the ground laying some great tackles! Alladin worked hard all game at Centre Half Back and Adriu tried hard all day. Callum had a tough day but never gave in.

Best Players: Jnr Douglas Lai, Marvin Cannon, Sylvester Wesley, Alladin Kepae, Hewago Oea, Domonic Wario, Edward Mel, Hapeo BobogiCoaches Comments: * Very slow start again, Brisbane South moved the ball very well. * Second Half was terrific! Restricting Brisbane South to only 5 goals, lifting our tackling and pressure causing many turnovers. * The ability to man up is still a major area to work on, Reminding the players what they do when we don't have the ball is extremely important. Jnr Douglas competed very well in the ruck winning 60% of his whitest, Marvin was superb through the middle of the ground and led the way as captain for game 2. Edward Mel worked hard all day in many position and Hewago again showed he is a very talented and classy player! Aladdin again was solid and competed extremely well all game at Full Back!

Sunday saw the boys attend the Brisbane vs Swans thriller at the Gabba in less than ideal weather.

Goal Kickers: Dominic Wario, Hapeo Bobogi, Sylvester Wesley, Mathew JesseyBest Players: Hapeo Bobogi, Hewago Oea, Kelly Kaugla, Amata Itsamera, Mathew Jessey, Edward Mel, George Lagi, Terry GeorgeCoaches Comments: * Boys followed instructions very well * Some skill errors were costly when moving the ball forward * Huge improvement from Game 1 to Game 3! * Super proud!

Hapeo was terrific today all over the ground and Kelly had his best game for the carnival. Amata competed hard all day and Edward was a tackling machine! Mathew Jessey had a good game up forward and Terry George defended well. George never gave up and worked hard all day. At the presentations, Hapeo Bobogi was selected as player of the carnival. Players flew home on Tuesday; those in charge of the side were thankful to everyone who had worked so hard to ensure the boys had arrived in time and ready to play. They have represented their countries, cities, communities & families with pride! ...

It has been all, action across Central and Northern England as the new 2016 AFLCNE season has begun with the opening rounds and Lightning Rounds played over the past two weekends. Despite losing the Birmingham Bears prior to the season, but gaining the new Merseyside Saints, the competition is already intense. The following article from the AFLCNE website gives a brief look at the new season along with the scores to date.

With Lightening Rounds and the first full round of the season undertaken last Saturday we’ve seen some big scores posted early in 2016.  With the Huddersfield Rams winning by 148 pts against the Tyne Tees Tigers you’d have thought it would be biggest winning margin of the round not the smallest!   The Manchester Mosquitoes chalked up an astonishing 165pt victory over last year’s Grand Finalists in the Sheffield Thunder. But even they were outdone by Wolverhampton’s win over league new boys the Merseyside Saints, with the Wolverines winning by 289pts - 50.23.323 to 5.4.34.

This just goes to show how difficult it is for new clubs to enter our league and be competitive from the get go.  We’re sure the Saints will regroup and bounce back but with their next game up against reigning Premiers Manchester it will be a tough task ahead for them.

Speaking of difficulties it’s a testament to the above and beyond attitude of our clubs that this rounds fixtures went ahead with the Tyne Tees Tigers having to swap hosting rights at short notice for the round with the Huddersfield Rams due to a waterlogged pitch.  A relocation of some 125 miles! The Tigers will now host Round 4.

Round 1 30th April 2016

Huddersfield Rams def Tyne Tees Tigers 27.32.194 to 6.10.46

Manchester Mosquitoes def Sheffield Thunder 29.29.203 to 5.8.38

Wolverhampton Wolverines def Merseyside Saints 50.23.323 to 5.4.34

Lightning Round Wolverhampton 23rd April 2016

Nottingham Scorpions def Merseyside Saints 14.14.98 to 2.2.1

Manchester Mosquitoes def Huddersfield Rams 11.12.78 to 2.8.20

Manchester Mosquitoes def Nottingham Scorpions 5.8.38 to 4.8.32

Wolverhampton Wolverines def Sheffield Thunder 8.11.59 to 0.6.6

Merseyside Saints lost to Sheffield Thunder 5.2.32 to 19.10.124

Wolverhampton Wolverines def Huddersfield Rams 9.10.64 to 2.3.15 ...

In the following story published on the RugbyFinity website, the latest in a continuing line of Irish recruits in the AFL, Conor Glass, spoke about his views on the differences in Gaelic football and Australian Rules football and pondered his prospects as a Hawk.

HAWTHORN’S Irish recruit Conor Glass says he doesn’t have issues kicking an AFL football but predicts it will be some time before he debuts.

As reported by www.afl.com.au in August last year, the Hawks were long interested in bringing Glass to the club as an international category B rookie.

Category B rookies can be signed directly, with the player not having to be drafted.

Glass, 18, told the Derry Journal that Gaelic football does not share many similarities with Australian football.

“It is quite different to be fair. The kicking style is fine. People talk about the shape of the ball but once you get used to it, there is no problem,” he said.

“The stop-start nature of AFL is a change, though. Gaelic football is very free-flowing, so that will be different.”

It won’t be a completely new experience for Glass though.

“It’s not as much of a physical difference. They are both very physical games,” he said.

“Strength and conditioning in Gaelic football has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and it is now almost as professional as the AFL.”

Glass is at school in Ireland but will arrive at Hawthorn when his exams are finished.

“I’m not going to be pushing into the first team for a couple of years,” Glass said.

“The AFL is very tough to get into, especially the Hawthorn first team. My target will be to keep improving … get a contract extension and then, hopefully, I can go on to make my mark as a Hawthorn player.”

Original story at: http://www.rugbyfinity.com/irish-recruit-aiming-high-for-the-hawks/#sthash.THifVgpi.dpuf ...

Round 7 gets underway tonight with Richmond hosting Hawthorn at the MCG. 

If you want to know when you can see the footy on TV in your part of the world, check out the schedule below. As always schedules are subject to change at the discretion of the local broadcaster so please check local guides for updates.

 For those in the US looking to watch American Mason Cox in his third AFL match with Collingwood, you will need to watch via subscription service WATCHAFL.AFL.COM.AU as it will not be shown on any of the three TV networks.

*We also recommend you check out the AFANA website if you are in North America as they tend to have the very latest information on broadcast schedules or changes. ...

Four rounds of VFL are in the bag. Last year’s runners up Box Hill sit on top and Coburg are in the wooden spoon position. We take a look at how the International players faired in Round 4.

Carlton’s American International Rookie Matt Korcheck (USA) (pictured) continues his education as understudy in the ruck to Cameron Wood playing for the Northern Blues. The Blues went down to Collingwood by 9 points. Rotating between the ruck, up forward and resting on the bench Korcheck this week had 4 disposals – 3 marks- one tackle and had 12 hitouts. He is yet to score a goal kicking behinds in the two previous matches against Port Melbourne and Geelong. 

Scores – Round 4
WERRIBEE 19.13 127 d FOOTSCRAY 12.13.85
COLLINGWOOD 14.16 100 d NORTHERN BLUES 13.13 91
SANDRINGHAM 16.15 111 d RICHMOND 7.12 54
WILLIAMSTOWN 8.4 (52) d PORT MELBOURNE 5.15 (45)
CASEY SCORPIONS 10.11 (71) d ESSENDON 7.12 (54)
GEELONG 15.12 (102) d COBURG 10.7 (67)
BOX HILL HAWKS 14.14 (98) d FRANKSTON 5.9 (39)
 

VFL Ladder Round 4

The AFL Japan 2016 season kicked off on Sunday 8th May with two matches played at the Akigase Park Rugby Field.

The first match was played between R246 Lions and Senshu Powers with the Powers taking the honours 19 point victors. 12.14 (86) - 10.7 (67).

The match was won in the last Quarter when the Powers kicked 7 goals to 2. Goal kickers for Powers were Shoki Mokudaka 5. Riku Tokutake, Yoshiharu Sasaki 2. Ito Junpei, Kyoto Nakagawa, Shota Horiguchi 1.

Michito Sasaki kicked 5 goals for the Lions, Tatsuya Nasu 2 and Hiroki Suzuki, Yuta Toshima, Naylor Yuifutoshi 1 each.

Game two saw Tokyo Bay Suns give a 101 point hiding to the Eastern Hawks, 21.19 (145) - 7.2 (44)

Goal Scorers for the Suns were Yosuke Kuno 5. Junji Tanaka, Flynn Peterson, Masaya Nakamura 3. Munehiko Imai, Hisayoshi Oura 2. Kazuki  Ohashi, Toshiki Matsuhashi, Kohei Kageyama 1.
Leading scorer for the Hawks was Kai Yoshihara with 4, Takashi Kariya kicked 2 and Takumi Sato 1.

Lions 1.0 2.3 8.5 10.7 (67)
Powers 1.6 4.9 5.13 12.14 (86)

Hawks 3.0  4.0    5.0      7.2     (44)
Suns    3.5 8.11 15.17 21.19 (145)

Round 1 will be completed next week 15th May with the Shonan Poseidons hosting the Tokyo Goannas at Sports Park Kawaguchi Arakawa.

Details thanks to AFL Japan ...

Thanks to AFL Asia for this update on footy in China.

On the back of the massive headlines to come out of Port Adelaide’s China strategy, grassroots footy right across Greater China continues to grow strongly.

Record numbers at South China AFL games, a new “Greater China Cup” tournament and the re-emergence of the Beijing Australian Football League (BAFL) show efforts by AFL Asia’s China Clubs are bearing fruit.

Anzac Day in Hong Kong saw around 250 players and hundreds of spectators descend on Sandy Bay for the biggest SCAFL event so far. A week later, the inaugural Greater China Cup was successfully held in Guangzhou, while footy in the north of the country is well and truly back on the agenda with the announcement the first BAFL season in almost 6 years will be contested this year in Beijing.

These encouraging developments follow recent headlines about the Power’s intention to play for premiership points in Shanghai in 2017 and the recruitment of their first Chinese player, Guangzhou Scorpions forward Chen Shaoliang.

Greater China Cup
Not to be confused with the long-running Shanghai Tigers vs Beijing Bombers  annual “China Cup” series, the inaugural “Greater China Cup” was contested on 30th April between three teams in Guangzhou. This being another exciting new initiative from the man known widely as the driving force behind the local football development in China over the past decade, Guangzhou Scorpions President Zhang Hao.Zhang’s Scorpions were joined by the Shanghai Tigers, with the Chongqing Cats and Chengdu Kangroos uniting under the new ‘Southwest Honey Badgers’ banner…a new challenger for the Myanmar Fighting Cock’s claim of best team name in Asia!

 

Each team played two games, with some Auskick and an exhibition game of local talent at the end of the day’s play.

Results:

Game 1: Southwest Honey Badgers 60 def Shanghai Tigers 14

Game 2: Guangzhou Scorpions 34 def Southwest Honey Badgers 15

Game 3: Guangzhou Scorpions 61 def Shanghai Tigers 10

Game 4: Black 46 def White 31

Congratulations to the Guangzhou Scorpions for taking out the inaugural Greater China Cup and well done to all the Clubs involved.

Guangzhou President Zhang Hao inspiring the next generation of Scorpions

 

BAFL is Back!

Like in times of old, warriors from the north are preparing to raid the heart of Beijing: Young, fit and some might say a little brash. Standing in their way is the old guard. They’re not as sprightly as they used to be – and haven’t quite got their heads around WeChat Wallet – but they still believe that the old ways provide the one true path. What this clearly means is that the BAFL is back!!!

Not since the heady days of Beijing footy where 3 teams competed for the BAFL between 2008-2010 has there been such internal banter within the Beijing Bombers, with the hope that it will encourage a new generation of players in northern China to win back the hallowed China Cup from arch-rivals Shanghai Tigers in this year’s China Cup series and then support a combined showing of the China Clubs under the China Reds banner at this year’s Asian Champs in Saigon.

• Sat 21st May – BAFL Game 1
• Sat 28th May – BAFL Game 2
• Sat 4th June – China Cup Game 1 – in Shanghai
• Sat 11th June – BAFL Game 3
• Sat 10th Sept – BAFL Game 4
• Sat 17th Sept – China Cup Game 2 – in Beijing
• Sat 24th Sept – BAFL Game 5
• Sat 8th Oct – BAFL Game 6
• Sat 15th Oct – Asian Champs
• Sat 22nd Oct – BAFL Game 7

Players are now being recruited, contact Mic micm1969@mac.com for more info – all skill levels welcome.

大中华杯全纪录！

第三场：广州蝎子 VS 上海老虎

第四场：黑队 VS 白队 （18人“大乱斗”）

在经过一个下午的激烈比拼之后，比赛比分如下：

上海老虎 VS 西南联队

14：60

广州蝎子 VS 西南联队

34：15

广州蝎子 VS 上海老虎 (Guangzhou Scorpions VS Shanghai Tigers)

61：10

黑队 VS 白队  (Black VS White)

46：31

在这里祝贺我们蝎子队获得了本次大中华杯的冠军！同时也感谢上海老虎，重庆猫和成都袋鼠队伍对我们活动的支持！

接下来请看这次比赛的全纪录！具体每场比赛的记录可以点击各场比赛的详情观看！

周六中午12点，比赛队员们和工作人员们就已经来到了大中华杯的比赛场地——广东工业大学板球场。刚来到场地，工作人员们便开始了布置场地，摆放设施等工作，而各队的队员们则穿戴好装备开始进行热身。

现场的香肠吧，队员们纷纷在现场吃上了香喷喷的烤肠，为即将到来的比赛补充体力。 ...

Round 8 gets underway tonight with Adelaide hosting Geelong at Adelaide Oval.  The return of Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield to play against his former club is eagerly awaited by Adelaide fans and will be watched with interest by the neutral fans. 

The Richmond v Sydney Swans match will be broadcast on delay on CCTV5 this week however an exact time is still to be confirmed.

If you want to know when you can see the footy on TV in your part of the world, check out the schedule below. As always schedules are subject to change at the discretion of the local broadcaster so please check local guides for updates.

 For those in the US looking to watch American Mason Cox in his fourth AFL match with Collingwood, you will need to watch via subscription service WATCHAFL.AFL.COM.AU as it will not be shown on any of the three US TV broadcast channels. 

*We also recommend you check out the AFANA website if you are in North America as they tend to have the very latest information on broadcast schedules or changes. ...