FAQ
On average, the New York Magpies played 10-13 games. In addition, we have 4 Metro League games and two “State of Origin” games in New York.
The current plan is to increase the number of Metro League games, our internal 9-a-side league, further increasing the opportunities for new players to play the game in New York.
With the introduction of the Metro League, players in New York have a chance to play up to 7 games of Australian Football a year without having to leave New York or attend training on a weekly basis. The Metro League is Australian Football in a slightly modified format (smaller field size, smaller number of player per team – usually 9-a-side), but with predominately the same rules as regular Australian Football. The New York Magpies have 4 Metro League teams – the Suburban Tollman, the Village Bohemians, the Hudson River Rats, and the Times Square Tourists.
Metro League footy is a great way for new players to learn how to play the game, for players with work or family commitments to continue to play without having to devote a weekend to an away game, and for those after a social kick of football to continue an involvement in the game.
Due to the interest in the game here in New York, the Magpies were able to establish a second representative team, the Gotham Magpies, at the Nationals tournament in 2005. The aim of the Gotham Magpies is to provide an opportunity for less experienced players to learn how to play the game, and for more experienced players to press their claim for selection in the New York Magpies first representative team.
What is the required commitment?
The Magpies aim to provide an opportunity to play football at both a social and a reasonably serious level, through the local Metro League games, and through both of our representative teams in the New York Magpies and the Gotham Magpies.
As most players have significant work commitments, it is rare that players are available for all away trips or games, or indeed all trainings. The expected commitment is to make training and games when available, bearing in mind individual work and family commitments. Those who aim to play for the representative teams, the New York or Gotham Magpies, should try to be at as many trainings, both weekday and weekend, as possible.
Being aware that not all who are interested in playing are able to travel regularly or at all, the Magpies also provide the Metro League games as an opportunity for less experienced players to learn how to play the game, and for more experienced players to press their claim for selection in the representative Magpie teams.
The season runs from late March through early October. The Magpies provide the opportunity to play a game, either Metro League, or a Magpies home or away game approximately every second weekend, with major US holidays automatically rostered as off weekends.
How much does it cost to play for the club?
The Metro League games are completely FREE. Players are however responsible for travel costs associated with games played outside the New York area. In many cases the team will however provide subsidies to all players to decrease travel expenditures.
What to I get for being a member of the club?
In addition to eligibility to play both Club and Metro League, membership entitles you to discounts at stores, bars and restaurants around NYC, and at the club’s fundraising events.
What does the club use member funds for?
Member funds are used to purchase equipment, e.g. jumpers, balls, water, pay for field permits etc., and provide umpires for games and the general running expenses of the club. The club also undertakes extensive fundraising and sponsorship activities to provide player subsidies and cover a portion of the general expenses of the club.
Do the Magpies travel to play teams outside of New York?
Yes, the Magpies play a number of away games per year. The Magpies have played in such locations as: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, North Carolina, Boston, Florida, Las Vegas, Denver, Ohio, Dallas, and Milwaukee.
Page 2 of 3 | Previous page | Next page