The Diplomatic Football Association - International Football League (DFA-IFLeague) has been in existence for over 16 years and was started by several diplomatic missions in London in 1995. Countries that have been represented include Algeria, Australia, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, England (DPG/Home Office/Scotland Yard/Westminster), Finland, Germany, Holland, Jamaica, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, South Africa, Russia and the USA. Teams have joined and due to not being able to compete for a whole season, have left, but we have always had at least 8 countries represented within the League. Whilst the league has been successful in fostering diplomatic relations, it has also provided the local communities with a focus and, over time, the communities have supplied players who wish to represent their home nations. The "Diplomatic Football League" began in 1992 when the Irish Embassy decided to organize a football competition between Embassies in London. This took the form of the "Diplomatic Cup" and was played in this format for the next few years. In 1995, when the ""Diplomatic Football Association - DFA" was formed it was decided to continue the previous good work but with a "League Committee" and a structured base, including potential sponsorship. xxx are the current sponsors of the Diplomatic Cup. In 1998, The League name was changed to the "DFA-International Football League" to recognize the number of expats now taking part who are not linked to diplomacy. Teams were once formed from the ranks of London's diplomats and Embassy workers, now teams are much more widely based, drawn from London's many national and linguistic groups all though all teams must still have Embassy representation. The League has continued to grow to this day and has brought many people of different nationalities together over a sport we all enjoy. For the 2011-2012 DFA-IFLeague season the following eight teams will take part: Lusitânia Brazil, France, Ireland, Japan, Panama, Poland, Spain and Wales. In addition to the league format, there are also the Diplomatic Cup and Diplomatic Plate competitions that provide all teams with a chance of silverware. There is also the End of Year Tournament to reward the League's top 6 teams. All of the work from the Executive Committee is voluntary and any expenses incurred administering the League is borne by the individual. This League is a labour of love for the Committee members, not a career.