The Vietnam Swans are an inclusive, nationally focussed sporting and social club centred around the sport of Australian Rules Football We have an active membership across Vietnam, including Danang, Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau, in addition to the many supporters and former players in Australia and across the world.

The Swans are all about:

  • Playing and growing Australian Rules Football in Vietnam
  • Introducing Vietnamese to ‘our great game’
  • Building an Australian focused network – welcoming all
  • Supporting and improving the community we live in
  • Travelling to play football games throughout the region
  • On field success – winning matches & tournaments

Highlights of our year include the annual ANZAC Friendship Match in Vung Tau, hosting official AFL Grand Final Parties, home fixtures such as Ladies Day game in Ho Chi Minh City and travelling around the region for games and tournaments such as the AFL Asian Championships, the Indochina Cup, the Manila Cup and the Central Vietnam Games.

In 2014 the Swans formed an official partnership with the Saigon Ladies Gaels Gaelic Football Club, who we conduct regular tours and events with. A position on the Swans Leadership Group has been made available for a representative from the Gaels.

We also work and play closely with our good mates the Viet Celts in Hanoi, Saigon Shooters and Hanoi Oi’s Netball Clubs, Saigon Gecko’s and Hanoi Dragons Rugby Clubs and Saigon Australian Cricket Club.

Club Structure

  • Leadership Group of 5, led by a National President with 4 Group Directors (in conjunction with deputies)
  • Sub-committees to be formed under each of these directors in support
  • Further Gaels, Hanoi and Local Development Strategy sub-committees
  • Key Positions in each Group (e.g. Merch Manager) will be ‘set’ while others can be more informal and flexible

Objectives of the Vietnam Swans

  • To play regular competitive, international matches in order to:
    • Create the reason for the Club to exist
    • Appeal to players who like competition, travel and being part of a Club
  • Improve the general level of fitness of members
  • To develop and maintain a Club culture that is social, family friendly and welcomes a far broader group than just hard-core footballers
  • To provide equal opportunities to engage in competitive football and social activities for men and women regardless of ability, ethnicity or age
  • To give back to the local community; eg supporting swimming initiatives that reduce the number of drownings in Vietnam
  • To create special and significant functions / events that provide attendees with a richer experience than otherwise would be possible
  • To use Aussie Rules – Australia’s Signature Sport – as a vehicle to promote Australian causes/interests where appropriate
  • To use our Club as a vehicle to promote our sponsors to ensure they receive fair value for their sponsorship
  • To provide opportunities for women to participate in competitive Sport in Vietnam

2015 Priorities

  • Play an Asian Champs and Gaelic Games Grand Final and win the Manila and IndoChina Cups.
  • Host Anzac Day 100 year anniversary game and international matches in Hanoi and Saigon
  • Continue integration of females throughout the club, including through partnerships and activities with the Saigon Gaels and Viet Celts Gaelic Clubs
  • Develop and execute a Local Development Strategy to raise participation and skill levels of Vietnamese nationals, in support of the IndoChina Bulldogs
  • Consolidate and improve skill levels in HCMC, including through the establishment of the Saigon 9’s.
  • Raise participation levels through conducting regular trainings and events in Hanoi and Central Vietnam
  • Develop existing and grow new relationships with key sponsors and stakeholders, including AFL Asia and its sponsors
  • New website and enhanced communication and promotions
  • Continue to support Swim Vietnam and develop relationships with local charities and community groups in Hanoi and Saigon
  • Further develop Auskick in Saigon and Hanoi and providing an inclusive family friendly environment throughout club activities

AFL Asia

The Vietnam Swans became a founding member of AFL Asia at the Presidents’ meeting in Bangkok on 27 July, 2013, with Swans former National President and Hall of Fame inductee, Phil Johns, the inaugural AFL Asia President.

AFL Asia formed by Asian footy