TACKLE FOOTBALL
Tackle football is the classic version of the game fast, physical, and full of strategy. It’s the form most people know and love, where players wear pads and helmets and stop plays with full-contact tackles. It’s intense, exciting, and built on teamwork.
TACKLE FOOTBALL IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
American Football South Australia (AFSA) currently offers two tackle football grades:
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Under 18s (Mixed): A developmental league for young athletes, regardless of gender, to learn and compete in the sport.
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Senior Men’s: A competitive league for adult male athletes, providing opportunities for higher-level play and competition.
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These grades serve as the foundation for players to advance to state, national, and international levels, with pathways leading to elite competitions and representation opportunities.​​​​​​​​​
TACKLE FOOTBALL PATHWAYS
Grassroots Football
The journey starts at the grassroots level, with our local clubs where young players are introduced to the basics of American football passing, catching, blocking, and tackling. At this stage, players also develop essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership, laying the foundation for future growth in the sport.
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Representing Your State or Nation
Tackle football offers athletes the chance to represent their state and country at both national and international levels. Players who excel at the local level can be selected for state teams, competing in national tournaments. For those who continue to stand out, the opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage becomes a reality, competing in prestigious events like the IFAF World Championships.
Scholarships to US Universities
For standout athletes, one of the most exciting pathways is securing a football scholarship at a US university. Many talented Australian players are offered scholarships by US colleges, where they can continue their football journey while earning an education. These opportunities provide the chance to compete at a high level, receive elite coaching, and gain exposure in front of professional scouts.
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International Opportunities
Australian athletes are increasingly finding success in the NFL, European leagues, and other competitive football programs worldwide. With strong pathways and growing exposure, players have more chances than ever to take their game global.
Standouts like Adam Gotsis, Matt Leo, Daniel Faalele, and Jordan Mailata have proven that Australians can compete and thrive on the international stage, inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps.