We’re back! And we’re bigger and better than ever!

Continuing on from a thrilling season in 2022, the start of the 2023 AFL Netherlands season is just around the corner and promises to be our biggest season yet. With a longer season with more games and a summer break, the 2023 season could not come soon enough!

2022 saw many new things for AFL Netherlands, with the first trial of a home-and-away type season, instead of the usual mini-tournament style. The new format allowed for better team development in the younger teams, with the Waterland Eagles becoming the first ever to team to dethrone the Amsterdam Devils as the premiers of AFL Netherlands. This victory means that the Eagles will travel to Paris for the AFL Europe Champions League in April as the representatives of AFL Netherlands. 

2022 also saw the breakout of the Dutch International teams, with both teams attending the Euro Cup in Edinburgh in the Summer. The women’s game in the Netherlands continues to grow, visibly seen through the Flying Dutch securing 6^th place at the tournament. The Flying Dutch men’s team also joined the women’s team in Edinburgh, and left in place a solid starting point to build on in the upcoming season. Both teams will be attending the upcoming Euro Cup in Kiel, hoping to improve on the results from last year!

The AFL NL Season will again host home and away games for all teams, featuring a total of 9 Rounds of football, and a Grand Final on September 2 in Delft. The season opening game sees the Pre-Season Champions the Delft Blues, face off against last year’s finalists, the Amsterdam Devils, hosted at the Blues’ home ground on May 6^th. The first part of the season comes to a close on June 24, and doesn’t resume until August 12. In the summer break, the Dutch National teams will head off the Euro Cup, and other players will get the chance to spend their well-deserved vacation soaking up the sun, and dreaming about lifting the AFL NL trophy.  

Also featuring again this year, the Festival of Footy gives teams a chance to bring along loved ones and prospective AFL players to have a run around and enjoy spreading the love of the game! The Festival of Footy will be hosted on the 5^th of August. Keep the date clear and come down for a day filled with footy, other activities, and fun!