Men’s and Women’s+ Club Championships combine into a single weekend for the first time; free for spectators and streamed live October 3rd & 4th.
HALIFAX, Sept. 24, 2026 – The best Australian Rules Football clubs in the country will compete for national titles on the Halifax Common Oct. 3–4, as the 2026 AFL Canada Club Championships come to Atlantic Canada for the first time.
The event is supported by a grant from Halifax Events through its Marketing Levy Special Event Reserve (MLSER), which reinvests hotel-tax revenue into events that bring visitors to the city.
“We are thrilled to be hosting our national club-level tournament in Halifax, Nova Scotia,” said Greg Bridges, Executive Director of AFL Canada. “This grant will allow us to create more development opportunities that increase the capacity of local clubs, promote footy to more people throughout the region, and provide an exceptional experience for athletes travelling to Halifax from across the country.”
Australian Rules Football, or footy, is a fast, high-scoring, full-contact sport played on an oval field. It is known for spectacular high marks and nonstop running. In Canada, the Women’s+ competition is open to women and gender-diverse athletes.
For the first time, the Men’s and Women’s+ championships will be played together over one weekend. More than 200 athletes, coaches and volunteers are expected from all across Canada. Admission is free, and every game will stream live and on-demand on the AFL Canada YouTube channel.
“AFL Atlantic is our fastest growing league, with five teams now competing in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island,” said David Smith, Chair of AFL Canada. “Hosting the 2026 AFL Canada Club Championships in Halifax will leave a legacy of growth that will be felt long after the tournament is held.”
The Marketing Levy Special Event Reserve Grant program provides municipal funding generated through local hotel taxes to non-profit organizations hosting large-scale tourism and business-boosting events.
About AFL Canada
AFL Canada is the AFL-sanctioned National Governing Body committed to promoting, growing, and developing the sport of Australian Football in Canada. Since 1989, AFL Canada has supported clubs, leagues, and provincial associations through program development, resources, national and international tournaments, marketing, youth programs, and other strategic initiatives.
As the recognized AFL International Affiliate, AFL Canada is motivated to ensure the game can prosper and progress through all formats, levels, and competitions across the country. To learn more, visit AFL Canada.
Contact
Greg Bridges
Executive Director
AFL Canada
email : greg@aflcanada.com
About Halifax Events
Halifax Events is the Official Destination Partner of the 2026 AFL Canada Club Championships. Thanks to all volunteers, staff and organizers for bringing the AFL Canada Club Championships to Halifax.
The team at Halifax Events is preparing more exciting events for you this Fall and Winter. Don’t miss Nocturne October 15th to 18th, The Halifax Tree Lighting on November 22nd and New Years Eve Live In Grand Parade on December 31st.
Enjoy the weekend and let’s celebrate Footy In Halifax Together!
Visit www.halifax.ca/events to see what’s happening in Halifax, today.
