GET INVOLVED
New to football? Let’s help you get started! Read more below about why you should get involved as well as the different ways you can participate in Australia!
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
American football is a welcoming, inclusive sport that is suitable for players, coaches and officials of all ages, genders and abilities.
As a team sport, American football helps encourage younger players to develop teamwork and leadership skills as well as improving their confidence and self-esteem.
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There are lots of ways to play this great game. Some athletes are ready to jump in and stick with tackle or flag the rest of their lives, while others take a step-by-step approach that bridges one way to play to another.
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There are great pathways in American football that suit all participants. Whatever your ability, gender or age - you can represent your club, league, state and Australia and can aspire to play, coach or referee in our national leagues, college, overseas leagues or even the Olympics.
PLAYING
The range of disciplines and teams on offer provides as many people as possible the opportunity to play some form of the sport.
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The first step to becoming a player is deciding which playing discipline you prefer – Contact or Flag.
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For those who enjoy the tackling and physical aspects of sport, full contact is ideal. If you want to enjoy playing American Football without the physicality of the contact game, Flag Football offers a perfect alternative.
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Once you have decided which style of the game suits you best, it’s time to select the appropriate league to join. Below you can find all of the different leagues AFA offers.
American Football is a sport for all. It doesn't matter your shape, size or ability - we will have a place for you!
COACHING
As a coach, you have the privilege of shaping not only athletes' skills on the field but also their character and life skills off it. Guiding players through the challenges and triumphs of the sport instills discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, qualities that are invaluable not only in football but in all facets of life. Your role extends beyond the playbook; it becomes a platform to inspire, mentor, and make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals.
As a coach, you become a source of knowledge and guidance, imparting strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that extend beyond the gridiron.
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​American Football offers a unique avenue for personal growth and development. It challenges you to adapt, innovate, and constantly learn as the sport evolves. It's a role that demands effective communication, empathy, and the ability to connect with players from diverse backgrounds. Through coaching, you can refine your leadership skills, build a strong network within the sports community, and leave a legacy that resonates for years to come.
OFFICIATING
Tackle Football is how we refer to the traditional code of American Football you likely know and are a fan of.
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We operate Tackle Football leagues in almost every state and territory in Australia in the following divisions (or a variant of):
- Under 13s (Mixed)
- Under 16s (Mixed)
- Under 19s (Men's)
- Senior Women's
- Senior Men's
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Tackle Football offers many opportunities for players of all abilities to get involved locally, and to go as far as their ability and committment will take them from state, national and international opportunties.
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Follow in the footsteps of Australian greats like Jesse Williams, Adam Gotsis, Matt Leo, Daniel Faalele and Jordan Mailata from local football all the way to the NFL.
VOLUNTEERING
Tackle Football is how we refer to the traditional code of American Football you likely know and are a fan of.
​
We operate Tackle Football leagues in almost every state and territory in Australia in the following divisions (or a variant of):
- Under 13s (Mixed)
- Under 16s (Mixed)
- Under 19s (Men's)
- Senior Women's
- Senior Men's
​
Tackle Football offers many opportunities for players of all abilities to get involved locally, and to go as far as their ability and committment will take them from state, national and international opportunties.
​
Follow in the footsteps of Australian greats like Jesse Williams, Adam Gotsis, Matt Leo, Daniel Faalele and Jordan Mailata from local football all the way to the NFL.
Reach Out
Ready to start your journey?
Reach out to us and we'll connect you in with your local state or club to get you started!
"Football teaches you hard work. It takes a lot of unspectacular preparation to have spectacular results in both business and football."
— Roger Staubach