PLAYING AMERICAN FOOTBALL
New to football? Let’s help you get started! Read more below about why you should play football as well as the different ways you can play in Australia!
PLAYING AMERICAN FOOTBALL
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 Gridiron Australia offers.
TACKLE FOOTBALL
Tackle Football is how we refer to the traditional code of 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 (Mixed)
- 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.
FLAG FOOTBALL
Flag football is a variant of American football where, instead of tackling players to the ground, the defensive team must remove a flag or flag belt from the ball carrier.
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Flag football is designed to create more opportunities for people of all backgrounds, and abilities to be involved in the game - and now offers pathways from grass roots social competition all the way through to US Colleges and now a US Pro League.
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Playing flag football allows athletes to get used to playing in space with others while learning basic movements and skills for success in football and beyond. Flag football also encourages teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship. Players must work together to advance the ball down the field and score points, and must communicate effectively to execute plays and strategies.
“The game of football is one of strategy and tactics. It's a game of inches and seconds, of strength and speed, of will and determination.”
— Steve Mariucci