A primary school teacher for twenty-five years in Melbourne, Michael is passionate about sports in the community and enjoys the “uniqueness, physicality and the passion of AFL (Australian Football League).”
Father of three children, Michael has been a local community coach for the past two decades. In 2017, he coached the Pakistan National Women’s Team for the AFL International Cup held in Melbourne.
“I was extremely impressed with their passion, determination, perseverance and resilience. I told the girls in the team that one day I will come to Pakistan and help them develop the understanding of the game but also grow the game in Pakistan."
Michael is visiting Pakistan to promote footie at the grass-root level. He will be holding training clinics and conducting AFL coaching with the youth.
“I can’t wait to meet the people and learn about the culture, their music and their food. I will also visit Multan city to train male and female participants in a local tournament.
“Part of the trip is to lecture in the universities to talk about the role of sport and how it can provide positive pathways in life and promote the cross-cultural relationship between Australia and Pakistan.”
My trip is not just about developing the game of Football there but also to strengthen the relationship between Australia and Pakistan.
“I can’t wait to come back to Australia and tell how good Pakistan is.”
AFL Coach Michael Gallus with Simon Highfield - Asia Development Manager at AFL. Source: Shaheen Sports and Social Club
How to promote ‘Footie’ in a Cricket loving country
Although Pakistan’s official sport is Hockey, its people are passionate about cricket.
Most of the grounds are filled with cricket matches and Australian Football is almost non-existent.
But Michael believes that his visit will provide a “great start” to the game.
“Yes it is a challenge to develop a new sport in such a fanatical cricketing, hockey and soccer country but the most important thing is that if the people love their sport, they are willing to try any other sport.
“The sport of AFL is so unique, in all the areas of physicality, kicking and passing that people once they see and understand the game, they just love it.
“You just have to get there, put it in front of the people and give them the opportunity. This will be the start of not just one-off trips. I look forward to developing an interest in the game.
“I will be coaching the local coaches who will later go to their towns and villages, and grow and develop the sport.”
AFL Coach Michael Gallus at a local Pakistani event in Melbourne. Source: Supplied
AFL Pakistan team in Multan city. Source: facebook.com/aflpakistan
Pakistan Shaheens Director Operations, Syed Ariz told SBS Urdu that AFL Pakistan is promoting footie in the country and the Australian club is working with them to promote the sport.
“Around 300 – 400 local players participate in local events held by AFL Pakistan. This year, Michael will be conducting various sessions with these players to enhance the quality of their game.
"The reason why Michael is travelling is that he was inspired by the players who came from Pakistan and he decided that he will visit them and train them at their home."
