Peace Team

The formation of a composite team of Israeli and Palestinian players to participate in the 2008 Australian Football International Cup was suggested by the Australian Jewish community in late 2007. This team would be composed mainly of basketball and soccer players, trained from scratch in the first half of 2008. Backing the plan was the Peres Center for Peace, as well as board members of AFL clubs, including Australian Jewish businessman and Carlton Football Club president Dick Pratt.

In early 2008 it was reported that around 75 players were in training for the team, to be cut back to around 30 for the squad to attend the International Cup. Match-day coach for the team at the tournament was former Hawthorn legend Robert DiPierdomenico.

For more information on the Peace Team, please visit www.aussierulesinternational.com/home/tournaments/international-cup/2008/teams/peres-peace-team