AFL Toyota Premiership 2011

One of the first Australian football matches played outside Australia was in France in 1916 during the First World War at the Somme.

France is proud of  its football history and beginnings.

Although an organised football league has only played in France since 2008, the first team was born in 1995 close to Le Havre in Normandy with the first match played in Normandy in 2000.

Season 2008 was a watershed year for French footy, with the first French Cup in Paris, the creation of three new teams, and France's national team placing sixth at the EU Cup in Prague and first at an international nine's tournament in Valls, Catalonia.

Currently, France has seven teams divided into two leagues:

• North : Paris / Strasbourg / Bordeaux
• South : Toulouse / Marseille / Languedoc Roussillon (Montpellier - Perpignan)

Champions:  Paris Cockerels (2009 and 2010)

Since its inception the majority of players and administrators have been French people, most of which have never been to Australia. The level of participation from local players has grown consistently over the years, particularly in the south of France.

+ French Cup: one day tournament with all French teams

Champions
• Toulouse Hawks (2010)
• Paris Cockerels (2008 and 2009)

+ Mediterranean or South Cup: All Southern French teams 
(Clubs from other nations such as Spain and Italy have played in this tournament) 

Champions: Toulouse Hawks (2009 and 2010)

Game Format

The game is usually played on rugby sized pitches in a nine-a-side format. This format has made the sport much more accessible and continues to support growth of the game in the countries where there aren't cricket fields or enough place in the public parks. 

In fact in France playing in public parks is not allowed.

International Football

The French also have a thriving international schedule.

The national team has played in the Euro Cup competition since its beginning in 2004, even before the local competition began in 2008.

They have always played with only French players (and choose not to utilise the option of playing ex-pat Australian’s which some tournaments allow for).

France strongly believes that it is not only about choosing the best players, but developing and nurturing local talent to build a strong competition within France and to win the hearts and minds of the French.

There are annual home and away friendly international matches played in a full format. The annual Anzac Cup (commemorative match in Villers-Bretonneux on Anzac Day) will once again see France play against Aussie Spirit (Australian expats based in Europe).

The French will also compete in the 2011 International Cup in Australia.

• Website
• France heads to IC2011