CANTON, OH – The Women’s Football Alliance (WFA), the largest and most competitive women’s tackle football league in the world, is proud to announce its newest international partnership with American Football Queensland (AFQ), the official governing body for American Football in Queensland, Australia.
This historic agreement makes Australia the ninth country to partner with WFA International, joining Mexico, Canada, the Netherlands, Honduras, Morocco, Colombia, Brazil, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. To date, WFA International has hosted 17 events across 7 countries, on 3 Continents, advancing women’s tackle football worldwide through elite competition, education, and development.
AFQ: Leading Women’s Football in Australia Since 2012
American Football Queensland (AFQ) has been leading the charge for women’s tackle football in Australia since 2012. Its women’s league — originally established as the Female Gridiron League of Queensland — is the longest running tackle women’s football program in the country.
Over the past decade, the league has produced standout athletes who have gone on to represent both Queensland and Australia, with some even previously competing in the WFA itself. Currently featuring four competitive teams, AFQ plans to expand into a six-team competition in the coming years with the support of the WFA.
The Queensland Sundevils, AFQ’s state representative side, are a proven powerhouse — winning four consecutive national titles as women’s football expanded across the nation. The Sundevils and AFQ eagerly anticipate future events with the WFA that align with both the state and national Strategic Plan to increase the visibility and participation of women’s football not just in Queensland, but across all of Australia.
First-Ever U.S. Women’s Tackle Team To Play in Australia
In January 2027, WFA Team United — the official WFA National Team — will travel to the Gold Coast, Queensland to compete against the AFQ All-Stars at A.B. Paterson College – home of the NFL Academy Asia-Pacific. This historic event will mark the first time a U.S. women’s tackle football team has competed on Australian soil.
Following this milestone, AFQ athletes will travel to the United States. In July 2027, the AFQ All-Stars will compete at the iconic Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, during the WFA’s premier international football showcase.
Expanding the Global Vision
“The WFA is committed to building opportunities for women to play football on every continent,” said Jeff King, WFA International President. “This partnership with AFQ represents another milestone in uniting the global women’s game and creating pathways for athletes to compete on the world stage.”
The WFA’s continued international expansion underscores its mission to provide women with the opportunity to compete at the highest levels while using football as a tool for growth, empowerment, and connection across cultures.
About the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA)
The Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) is the largest and most competitive women’s tackle football league in the world. Established in 2009, the WFA has grown to include teams across the United States and internationally, offering women athletes opportunities to play professional-level football and compete on the global stage. With broadcast partnerships on ESPN and the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN), along with its historic National Championship hosted annually at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the WFA continues to set the standard for the future of women’s football. Learn more at www.wfaprofootball.com.
About American Football Queensland (AFQ)
American Football Queensland (AFQ) is the official governing body for American Football in Queensland, Australia. Since 2012, AFQ has led the way in advancing women’s tackle football, establishing the longest running tackle women’s football league in the country. AFQ supports grassroots development, elite competition, and pathways to national and international play, with its representative team, the Queensland Sundevils, securing four consecutive national titles. AFQ is committed to expanding women’s football throughout Queensland and across Australia, in alignment with its strategic vision for growth and visibility of the sport. Learn more at www.gridironqueensland.org.au.
