Footys4all founder to share passion for Aussie rules in Pakistan
The East Keilor founder of a local charity kicking big goals is taking charge of the national men’s and women’s Aussie Rules footy teams in Pakistan. And he can’t wait to share their passion with the world.
North West
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An East Keilor man is looking to use a lifelong love of footy to teach Aussie rules to Pakistan’s national teams.
Michael Gallus, 48, will coach the Pakistan national men’s and women’s teams in the hope that they will be chosen for the Australian Football International Cup in 2020.
The coach, who trained the women’s team in 2017, said he couldn’t wait to see what both squads could do.
“The determination and the passion they (the women) showed for their country and AFL made me want to go over and help continue that development,” Mr Gallus said.
“I’m really so stoked and excited to get the opportunity.”
The footy lover said that the power of football would give Pakistani women lots of opportunities.
“Seeing the opportunities that come through sport to develop their confidence, their teamwork and their abilities is amazing,” Mr Gallus said.
“Even the kids who have never played love it. They love the way the ball bounces awkwardly and the women especially love to tackle.”
Mr Gallus has arranged to meet with the Pakistani minister for sport and hoped to catch up with the country’s president.
“It’d just be an absolute highlight of the trip and really establish a relationship between Australia and Pakistan,” he said.
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“I’m pretty confident we’ll get an opportunity to sit down and have a chat with him.”
The coach will also work with local charities to help the less fortunate through his own charity Footys4all.
Balls will be donated to Pakistani primary schools along with children’s books to help improve English literacy rates.
The coach has been sponsored by AFL Pakistan and the Shaheens sport club and leaves on September 16.