• U16 & U18 National Tackle - Digital Talent Identification

    Expressions of Interest

  • Open to U16 and U18 athletes across Australia – are you ready to take the next step?

    American Football Australia (AFA) is looking for standout U16 and U18 players for the 2027 national tackle pathway.

    Whether you're an established junior player or a rising talent in your state competition, we want to see what you've got.

    Our digital talent identification process finds, develops and brings together the best emerging and established junior athletes in the country. It is your route to opportunities beyond state competition, including national program selection and showcase events like the Festival of Football on the Gold Coast in July 2027.

    As an expansion of the national tackle pathways program, players can also nominate for the National Development Camp, a separate development opportunity.

    We're looking for athletic ability, potential, commitment and the drive to compete at the highest level.

    New talent. New opportunities. Your pathway to national selection.

    What you can nominate for

    The choice is yours, select one or both of the national pathway opportunities below during your submission: 

    1. National Development Camp – Sydney, Friday 9 to Tuesday 13 April 2027. Four days of coaching, testing and competition with the best U16 and U18 players in the country. Camp selection is based on your submission.
    2. National team consideration – nominate to be considered for Australia's U16 or U18 national programs and the Festival of Football. The panel can select you for Australia on the strength of your submission alone.

    If you're unsure which to pick, you can nominate for both.

    Divisions and age eligibility

    • U16 Division: any athlete aged 15 or 16 on 31/12/2027 (born in 2011 or 2012)
    • U18 Division: any athlete aged 17 or 18 on 31/12/2027 (born in 2009 or 2010)

    Who can apply

    You must meet the age requirements above and be currently associated with, or have previously been associated with, an AFA-affiliated competition.

    You do not need prior state or national representative experience. If you believe you have what it takes, put yourself forward.

    How it works

    This is a digital/online process. Complete the form with your details, playing history, supporting material and the select the pathway you're nominating for. The national talent identification panel reviews every submission.

    • Development Camp nominations: shortlisted athletes will be invited to the National Development Camp in Sydney.
    • National team nominations: the panel assesses your submission directly. You may also be invited to the development camp. Camp attendance is not a condition of selection, it is an added opportunity to develop alongside your peers and gives you a taste of what the national high-performance camp is like. Final national selections will be announced in April 2027.

    Video footage and testing submission

    • Lead with 3–5 minutes of your best plays, then a cut-up of the skills you have in your position(s).
    • State your jersey number and position(s) up front.
    • Testing results should be dated and witnessed where possible. Athletic testing will also take place at the development camp.

    Before you start

    Have your footage and any testing results ready. You can save your progress and come back to the form at any time before you submit.

    What happens next

    Submitting the form means your nomination is automatically reviewed as part of the national talent identification process. Athletes selected for the national team program progress to the Festival of Football on the Gold Coast in July 2027.

    Key dates

    • Expressions of interest close: Monday 4 January 2027
    • Nomination responses: by Saturday 30 January 2027
    • National Development Camp: Friday 9 – Tuesday 13 April 2027, Sydney
    • National Team Selection outcomes: April 2027
    • Festival of Football: Saturday 3 – Sunday 11 July 2027, Gold Coast

    If you have any questions regarding the digital talent ID submission process, please email info@americanfootball.org.au

  • What are you interested in ? (You can one or select both)*

  • Athlete Details

  • Date of Birth*
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    2 digit day, 2 digit month, 4 digit year
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  • Parent / Guardian Details

    All communication for athletes under 18 must be through the nominated parent/guardian below.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • State and Club Information

  • State*

  • Football Preference and Eligibility

  • Order this list by your positional preference*

  • Social Media

    Social media links are optional and not encouraged for athletes under 16. If you already have a public profile you’d like to share as part of your submission (for example, one showcasing your training or competition results), you can add it below. You do not need to create or use a social media account to complete this form and it has no bearing on your eligibility or the strength of your submission.

  • Apparel Sizing

  • Select your size for each item below so we can order the right kit if you are selected.

    Compare with a garment that fits well.

    The tees are a standard fit, if you prefer an oversized or relaxed fit, we suggest you size up.

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  • If invited are you available to travel (at your cost) to Sydney and participate in the Development Camp commencing Fri 9th April and departing Tue 13th April?*
  • If selected, are you available to travel (at your cost) to the Gold Coast and compete at the Festival of Football commencing Sun 2nd of July and concluding Sun 11th of July?*
  • Are you an Australian Citizen (eligible to hold an Australian passport)?*

  • Leadership

  • Are you interested in a leadership position within the team?*
  • Did you play tackle football in the most recent club competition in your state?*
  • Should be Empty: