Play your way! A guide to playing footy in 2024

Footy season is just around the corner and with SO many options, here is a guide to playing NAB AFL Auskick or local footy in 2024.

Don’t forget there are tonnes more offerings including NAB AFL Superkick and AFL Nines. You can learn more about these on play.afl and see competitions local to you for Superkick here and Nines here.

Of course, there are other ways to get involved in footy through coaching, umpiring or volunteering at your local club. Information about all these areas and more including diversity, international competitions and school curriculum can be found at play.afl.

NAB AFL Auskick (ages 5-12)

NAB AFL Auskick introduces kids to Australian football through fun activities and games. With game-based activities kids love, learning is disguised as playing. You don’t need Aussie Rules experience — children can start Auskick in the calendar year they turn 5!

To register:

Visit play.afl and follow the links to register to play for Auskick. First timers will need to create an account in PlayHQ, the AFL’s registration platform, to register.

Local footy (from ages 7+)

Whether you’re a kid starting out, an up-and-coming star, or just casually keeping fit, local footy will grow your game and your friend group.

Whatever your level, you’ll help foster a deep connection to Australia’s favourite game, while also strengthening connections between your family and new friends.

Registration

There are many leagues in NSW and the ACT for juniors and seniors. Find your nearest in the drop down “select your league” list at the top of this website or visit play.afl and follow the links to find your nearest club.

Once you have found your league and your club via play.afl, you follow the links to PlayHQ where you can enter your details and register to play. Your club will then contact you with further information.

Fixtures, results and other information

Throughout the season PlayHQ will have your fixtures, ladders and results throughout the season, but it’s also a good idea to follow your local club and league on social media to ensure you’re not missing any fun events or important information.

Competition start dates NSW and ACT
League2024 season commencement
AFL North WestSaturday, 27 April
AFL North CoastSaturday, 6 April
AFL North Coast JuniorsSunday, 28 April
AFL Hunter Central CoastSaturday, 6 April
AFL Hunter Central Coast JuniorsSaturday, 7 April
AFL SydneySaturday, 6 April
AFL Sydney JuniorsSunday, 7 April
AFL CanberraSaturday, 6 April
AFL Canberra JuniorsSaturday, 27 April
AFL Central WestSaturday, 27 April
AFL Broken HillThursday, 25 April
RiverinaSaturday, 13 April
FarrerSaturday, 6 April
Wagga District JuniorsSunday, 7 April
South West JuniorsSaturday, 6 April
Northern Riverina Football LeagueSaturday, 13 April
Hume Football LeagueSaturday, 13 April
AFL South CoastSaturday, 13 April
AFL Shoalhaven JuniorsSunday, 28 April
AFL South Coast JuniorsSunday, 28 April
AFL Sapphire CoastSaturday, 20 April

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