AFL London women’s league expands to ten teams as participation rises 35%
The 2026 season sees ten clubs across two divisions, while the sport counts about 75,000 female players worldwide outside Australia
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AFL London announced on 29 July 2026 that its women’s competition has expanded to ten clubs across two divisions, up from four founding teams in 2015. The increase mirrors a 35% rise in female participation in Australian Rules Football programmes outside Australia between 2023 and 2025, as stated by AFLW media manager Kaitlyn Blanchard in a BBC London interview.
Team expansion reflects broader growth
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Blanchard told the BBC that the league’s ten‑team structure demonstrates “significant growth” in the women’s game over the last decade. She added that the surge is evident in regions such as Papua New Guinea, South Africa and Fiji, where new clubs have formed in recent years.
The AFL London board confirmed that the two‑division format will allow clubs to compete at appropriate levels, with promotion and relegation mechanisms to be introduced next season. The board’s decision follows a review of player numbers and club capacity conducted earlier in the year.
Local player profile: Iona Williams
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BBC London reported that Iona Williams, a 29‑year‑old London‑born athlete, joined West London Wildcats five years ago after a friend invited her to try the sport. Williams now features regularly in the club’s Women’s Premier side and has become a visible ambassador for the game.
Don't be scared to get involved.
Iona Williams, West London Wildcats player
Williams explained to the BBC that she had never seen a match before her first training session, yet the club’s welcoming atmosphere helped her develop quickly. She now encourages newcomers, noting that many start without prior experience.
National participation figures
The AFL’s global development team estimates that about 75,000 women and girls are playing Australian Rules Football outside Australia. This figure was cited in the BBC London piece on the sport’s growth and reflects data compiled by the league’s international office.
The league plans to continue expanding club numbers and to support grassroots initiatives in schools and community centres. A follow‑up review is scheduled for early 2027, during which the board will assess the impact of the new division structure on player retention and recruitment.
Questions this report answers
+How many teams are in the AFL London women’s competition in 2026?
The 2026 season features ten clubs split across two divisions, up from the original four teams that launched the competition in 2015, according to a statement from AFL London reported by BBC London.
+What percentage increase in female participation outside Australia was reported for 2023‑2025?
AFLW media manager Kaitlyn Blanchard said female participation in Australian Rules Football programmes outside Australia grew by approximately 35% between 2023 and 2025, as quoted in a BBC London article.
+How many women and girls are estimated to play Australian Rules Football outside Australia?
The league estimates that about 75,000 women and girls are involved in Australian Rules Football outside Australia, a figure mentioned in the BBC London coverage of the sport’s growth.
+Who is Iona Williams and what role does she play in the sport’s local growth?
Iona Williams is a 29‑year‑old London‑born player who represents West London Wildcats in the women’s Premier division. BBC London highlighted her as an example of the sport’s expanding appeal among local women.
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