Des Moines Roosters Host 6th Annual 80/35 Australian Rules Football Tournament

On June 2nd 2018 the Des Moines Roosters will host “footy” teams from around the midwest for the 6th Annual 80/35 Tournament. The tournament will take place starting at 9:00am and running throughout the afternoon at the Des Moines Rugby Grounds (120 39th St, West Des Moines, Iowa). The tournament will feature members of the United States national team, the USA Revolution, playing for various clubs.

After five years of no hometown victory, the Roosters are gearing up to win their own tournament. The team have been training and playing hard since the beginning of the season. Coach Sean “Chicco” Chicoine, says “the team is poised for success at 80/35. We only have a few home matches, so 80/35 is important.”

The Roosters’ main rivalry is with the Minnesota Freeze. “Games with Minnesota are always intense and a good hook for fans,” Nana Coleman, long time Roosters defender.

“The 80/35 Tournament is great for fans,” says team President and player Emily Rice. “There will be food vendors, merchandise, a raffle and a full day of footy.” Australian rules football is a fast paced and athletic game. Players compete on a massive oval field, some running up to five miles in a single game. “The tournament is on the bike trail, so it’s a perfect Saturday afternoon stop for families on bikes,” says Adam Ibrahim, Team Manager.

The Des Moines Roosters were formed in 2009 and compete as a part of the United States Australian Football League. In 2012, they won the Division 4 USAFL National Championship and every year they are growing the sport in Central Iowa. In 2017 two Roosters represented the USA Revolution at the International Cup in Melbourne, Australia. Benjamin Judge and Hamilton May of Des Moines represented the national team last summer.

The Roosters are also looking for volunteers to help with logistics. They are also actively recruiting new players. Beginners are welcome to attend open practices on Saturday mornings from 9:00-11:00 or weekly scrimmages on Thursday nights from 6:00-8:00 at Water Works Park.

For more information about the tournament, contact Board Secretary and tournament chairwoman, Lauren Rice, dsmfootysecretary@gmail.com or 515-201-5289.