By Tate Papworth
Michael Gallus’ love of Australian Rules Football knows no borders.
For several years, Mr Gallus has been helping to develop the game in Pakistan – and now he’s taking that role one step further.
“In 2014, through my Footy’s 4 All program, I was able to support the Pakistan men’s team at the International Cup here in Melbourne,” he said.
“In 2017, a women’s team came out for the first time with 24 women from Pakistan and approached me to coach.
“I was blown away by their passion, commitment and ability to learn the game. A lot of them had never left Pakistan … but their passion and commitment was amazing.
“I promised them that at some stage I’d love to come to Pakistan to visit them and help promote and support them as we develop the game. And that opportunity has come about.”
Mr Gallus, of Keilor East, will travel to Pakistan on September 15 for a whirlwind 10-day trip and plans to pack in as much as he can.
“We’re going the length of the country, from Karachi to Islamabad, running clinics and developing the game,” he said.
“We’ve been lucky to organise some university lectures which will be about Australia and the power of sport to promote positivity.
“We’ll give out footys to kids in primary schools and spend some time with leaders – we’re hoping to meet the Prime Minister, Imran Khan. We really want to use this as a sports diplomacy venture. We want to promote positive cultural relations between Australia and Pakistan.
“To have that opportunity, to be the first coach to go over there and develop the game, create some identities and awareness – we’ve got good contacts with national and print media over there – to really give them a chance to see the game, is something pretty special.”
