The Under 18 New Zealand Falcons side will tour Melbourne, Australia to play two games, the second against a Mornington Peninsula Interleague side from April 24th/25th – 29th/ 30th, 2023
This will be the fifth trip to Melbourne for the U18’s and follows on from a long and successful partnership with Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League.
The tour will provide the team with an insight into Australian club football, a visit to an AFL Club and attendance at an AFL game.
The team will play two games, with the first on Wednesday April 26th against Hastings FC 19’s and the second against the Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League 17’s on Friday April 28th.
PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR ALL TOUR INFORMATION
SPORTING ACTIVITIES LEADING IN
Flights have all been locked in and we are now at a point where cancellations can no longer be refunded. We strongly advise those who are travelling to Melbourne for the tour to assess your involvement in sporting activities this weekend that may result in injuries that stop you from travelling.
AFL New Zealand does not have insurance that will cover late withdrawals for this reason.
CAMPAIGN DATES
Flights commence arriving in Melbourne on late Monday the 24th (Auckland, Wellington & Perth) and early Tuesday April 25th (Christchurch & Dunedin) and depart Melbourne on late Saturday 29th April (Auckland & Perth ) and Sunday April 30th (Wellington, Christchurch & Dunedin) 2023.
International Flights Meeting times. DOUBLE CHECK YOU HAVE YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOU!
Auckland 24th April; Flight NZ129
Dress Code: Number 1s, Black Dress Pants, Shoes and Team Polo
4.15pm Meet Reg Ranchhod outside the Air New Zealand International Terminal Check in area
10 PAX A.Maisey, T.Kirton, D.Laracy, C.Beale, D.Clemas, R.Ranchhod, J.Gauci, S.Jones. O.Alermo Fletcher, A.Kempt
Christchurch 25th April; FlightNZ211
Dress Code: Number 1s, Black Dress Pants, Shoes and Team Polo
4.00am Meet Adam Clarke outside the Air New Zealand International Terminal Check in area
13 PAX A.Clarke, E.Latimer, H.Russel, X.Giles, N.Allison, T.Worthington. O.Giamblanco, M.Hammett, L.McBride, W.Arscott, C.Howison, J.Cole, C.Mcliver-Rhodes
FUNCTIONS & EVENTS
Tuesday 25th April
3.00pm AFL ANZAC Game on the Big Screen Hastings AFL Club.
6.00pm WELCOME FUNCTION Hastings AFL Club.
Players attendance will be covered within your financial contributions. For family and friends, prices and availability will be advised as soon as possible.
Wednesday 26th April
6.45pm GAME 1 vs Hastings FC Under 19’s Hastings AFL Club.
8.45pm GAME DAY AFTERMATCH FUNCTION Hastings AFL Club.
Following on from the matches on April 26th and April 28th, there will be a meal and awards presented at the After Match function to be held at Hastings AFL Club.
Best player awards for both teams as well as the match trophy will be presented along with speeches from coaching staff and award winners. Attendance at the awards is covered through your player contributions.
Information, cost and availability of tickets for those outside the touring party, will be provided as soon as possible for family and friends wishing to attend.
Thursday 27th April
2.30pm TRAINING SESSION & VISIT to ST KILDA FOOTBALL CLUB RSEA Park Moorabbin
This event is catered for players only
6.00PM VISIT TO RICHMOND AFC Punt Rd Richmond
This event is catered for players only
Friday 28th April
6.45pm GAME 2 vs MPJFL U17’s Bluescope Oval (Hastings AFL Club Weather Dependant)
8.45pm GAME DAY AFTERMATCH FUNCTION Hastings AFL Club.
Following on from the matches on April 26th and April 28th, there will be a meal and awards presented at the After Match function to be held at Hastings AFL Club.
Best player awards for both teams as well as the match trophy will be presented along with speeches from coaching staff and award winners. Attendance at the awards is covered through your player contributions.
Information, cost and availability of tickets for those outside the touring party, will be provided as soon as possible for family and friends wishing to attend.
Saturday 29th April
4.35pm ATTENDANCE AT AFL MATCH 29th Marvel Stadium
Prior to departure on Sunday the team will be in attendance the AFL Match HAWTHORN VS BULLDOGS AFL MATCH SUNDAY 29th APRIL 4.35pm MARVEL STADIUM
The group will at all times be accompanied by team management and leadership groups to ensure safety. We have secured tickets for the playing group only. AFL Tickets can be secured by way of the AFL website www.afl.com.au
Sunday April 30th
11.00am ATTENDANCE AT RICHMOND VFL Game
This event is catered for players only. Parents, Family & Supporters can attend at their own cost.
The Christchurch and Dunedin based contingent will have a chance to see New Zealand s own Misilifi Faimalo play for Richmond VFL
ACCOMMODATION
The Under 18 New Zealand Falcons will reside in Melbourne for the nights of April 24, 25,26,27,28, 29 (Varies depending on arrival and departure differences.)
Monday 24th April depart Tuesday 25th April11 PAXQuality Taylor Lakes Hotel
Tuesday 25th April depart Saturday 29th April 24 PAX BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park
Saturday 29th April depart Sunday 30th April 15 PAXQuality Hotel Melbourne Airport
DISCRESSIONARY SPENDING MONEY
We do recommend access to private funds to accommodate meals at events, souvenirs or discretionary spending during the trip. Levels should be predetermined by respective families to ensure overspending does not take place.
Please note discretionary spend required for two meals that take place at sporting venues noted below in meal section highlighted in yellow.
During the tour, the group will visit areas that include retails outlets. For those who wish to engage in shopping, discretionary spending levels should be budgeted and discussed prior to departure.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance has been organised and emailed to all participants for the upcoming tour of Melbourne. Please read through the email forwarded and attached documents that outlines coverage. Any additional insurance requirements will be at the individuals expense.
PERSONAL GEAR LIST
An equipment list was posted on the group face book page.
HEALTH & SAFETY
This following form was posted on the group facebook page and is to be completed by parents, to provide medical information, emergency contact and permission for any treatment. Please note, we will also ask for you to send a hard copy with a physical signature.
On line form to complete https://forms.gle/DgCDejeDW8pLrRr4A
Hard copy form (for you to bring with you) – https://aflnz.co.nz/…/AFLNZ-Generic-Medical-Declaration…
FLIGHTS
All Domestic link flights and International Flight Tickets have been forwarded by email to you. If you have not received this email contact us immediately.
LUGGAGE
Weight
Pease ensure your check in luggage does not exceed 20kg and Carry On luggage does not include 7kg. One mistake slows customs procedures for all participants.
Carry On
Please check with airport regulations regarding what you can and cannot take with you in Carry On Luggage. One mistake slows customs procedures for all participants.
See details at the following linkhttps://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/restricted-items
Boot and equipment cleaning both to Australia and back to New Zealand
Your boots and equipment must be clean prior to travel and dirt remaining will result in some cases , of loss of boots. One mistake slows customs procedures for all participants.
MEALS
The following meals including functions and will be catered for through your contributions. Please note discretionary spend required for two meals that take place at sporting venues highlighted in yellow.
April 24th Dinner On plane for those flying internationally
April 25th Breakfast At accommodation for those in Melbourne
Breakfast On plane for those flying internationally
Lunch Supplied
Dinner Welcome Function Hastings
April 26th Breakfast Supplied
Lunch Supplied
Dinner After Match Function
April 27th Breakfast Supplied
Lunch Supplied
Dinner Supplied
April 28th Breakfast Supplied
Lunch Supplied
Dinner After Match Function
April 29th Breakfast Supplied
Lunch Supplied
Dinner Purchase Own Dinner at AFL Game
April 30th Breakfast Supplied
Lunch Purchase Own Dinner at AFL Game
Dinner On plane for those flying internationally
FREE TIME
Following on from Shopping and Washing responsibilities, participants free time is designed for players to be utilised in and around accommodation and prior to games. Family and friend connections should be centred around after match and welcome functions. Player will not be able to leave the touring party throughout its duration. The touring management team will advise of opportunities to connect in person throughout the tour.
TOUR BOOKLET
A hard copy tour booklet will be provided to all players and posted on line prior to the tour.
MOBILE PHONES
Please be aware of your mobile phone plans that will differ in available services and costs within Australia from your New Zealand provider. We recommend you contact your provider to discuss the best way to mitigate data roaming costs, prior to travel. AFL New Zealand will not be responsible for mobile phone expenses
NO ALCOHOL/ NO SMOKING POLICY
AFL New Zealand has a strict no alcohol & no smoking policy for staff, management and players, for the tour.
Toll calls and minibar room expenses (Chocolates etc) will not be covered by AFL New Zealand. Any charges incurred will be forwarded on to the individual.
TEAM MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League will provide two AFL qualified sports trainers including CPR / First Aid, both of them are very highly respected with in our football community.
Shanta Physio, our New Zealand based video, will also be available for on line consultations.
PERSONNEL/ CONTACT NUMBERS
If contact is required please Text as the preferred contact method.
Team Management;
AFL New Zealand Staff on tour Reg Ranchhod 021 966648
AFL New Zealand Staff on tour Alastair Maisey 022 3299525
Administration based in Auckland admin@aflnz.co.nz
Lead Coach Justin Gauci
Assistant Coach Adam Clarke
PASSPORT RQUIREMENT
Those based in New Zealand, is the requirement to have a valid passport. Once all participants have arrived in Melbourne, protocols will be in place by team management regarding the storage of passports.
GROUND TRANSPORT
The team will travel by way of 2 Minibuses with the management staff providing licensed drivers. Four drivers have been allocated all over the minimum age of 25 years old.
UNIFORMS
The team will be supplied with playing uniforms consisting of New Zealand playing shorts, playing jumper, socks and gear bag. You will also receive New Zealand jacket, polo and gym shorts as part of your off field uniform. All these items are covered through your player contribution.
You will be required supply black dress pants, shoes and belt as additional elements of your uniform.
