2005 Essendon FC Scholarship Winner

The USAFL is delighted to announce that Christopher Carroll from the St. Louis Blues has been selected as the 2005 Essendon scholarship recipient.

“Bluey”, as he is better known, is a 24 year old, 6’3, 215 pound key forward who has rapidly taken to Australian football, having only played for the last 2 seasons. He was introduced to the game by Dan Sarbacker, an old college friend, who is now a St. Louis and Revolution teammate, as is his brother Colin. Like most Americans who now play the world’s greatest team sport, Christopher laments “I just wish I would have started sooner.” After only one season Christopher was selected to the USA Revolution squad in 2004. He played a crucial role across half forward in the win against Canada in Toronto last August.

There is no question that talented, key position forwards are a rare commodity at all levels of the game, and the USAFL is no different. The Revolution coaching panel are excited that Christopher will train and play at the highest possible level in Melbourne and further improve his knowledge and skills of the game. The experience he will obtain will undoubtedly assist the Revolution team as they prepare for the International Cup in August 2005.

Christopher attended college at Washington University in St. Louis and majored in Film and Economics. He currently works as Assistant Director of Student Activities at Clayton High School. At the conclusion of the scholarship he plans to live and work in Australia for a year and he looks forward to playing AFL at a local club.

This will be the 5^th year that Essendon has hosted a USAFL player for training.  Christopher will follow in the steps of Dustin Jones, Jeremy Kraus, Josh Loring, and Jared Brunmeier.  The USAFL would like to thank the generosity of the Essendon Football Club and their continued support of the USAFL and USAFL players. 

The Hampton Rovers AFC will once again push to get the 2005 scholarship winner to train and play at the club as part of the Rovers international program which continues to be a success.

www.hamptonrovers.com.au/international