High Performance
Team Canada High Performance Programs
High performance Men’s, Women’s, and development programs provide opportunities for athletes to compete internationally, access elite coaching and training resources, and bring new skills and experiences back to their local clubs.
AFL Canada is committed to developing athletes through regular training camps, international tournaments, exhibition matches, and other resources. Canada has competed at every International Cup in Australia since its inception and continues to support the growth of international footy around the world.
Team Canada Northern Lights (Women's)
Team Canada Northern Lights made their debut in 2007 against the USA before participating in the first Women’s AFL International Cup in 2011.
Since then, the Northern Lights have been a dominant force in international footy, winning the 2014 International Cup and finishing 2nd in the 2017 tournament.
In 2023, the Northern Lights won the 49th Parallel Cup against the US. Most recently, the team competed at the 2024 Transatlantic Cup.
Coached by Dean Hincliffe, the Northern Lights have consistently demonstrated the strength of Women’s footy in Canada.
Team Canada Northwind (Men's)
Team Canada Northwind made their debut in 1993 with a match against Great Britain.
The team has played in every AFL International Cup, finishing as high as 5th in 2014.
The Northwind represent Canada in the 49th Parallel Cup against the USA, and competed at the 2024 Transatlantic Cup.
Coached by Sean Goedheer, the Northwind have driven the development of Men’s footy across the country.
Midnight suns (Women's Development)
The Midnight Suns have competed at the 2014 International Cup as well as various international tournaments. The Suns program provides development opportunities and a pathway to future selection for the Northern Lights.
North Stars (Men's Development)
The North Stars program provides development opportunities and exposure to international level footy for athletes striving to represent Team Canada. Tournaments and competitions are intended to provide a pathway to future selection to the Northwind.
Wolfpack (Juniors)
Team Wolfpack are Canada’s Junior National Australian Football team. The team plays ad-hoc games against touring Australian Junior teams and in exhibition matches. Wolfpack players are selected from the best Canadian-born junior players from the teams across the country.
Upcoming Events
2026 49th Parallel Cup
The 49th Parallel Cup is North America’s biggest footy rivarly. The tournament will feature the Men’s and Women’s National Teams from Canada and the United States as well as National Development Teams and local representative sides.
Date: August 29, 2026
Location: Kelowna, British Columbia
Teams: Canada vs. USA
Partnership opportunities are now available. Contact us today to learn more and support our National Teams.
Watch Team Canada Full Matches and Videos
Get Involved In the High Performance Program
AFL Canada is committed to ensuring player selection to our national teams is a fair and transparent process.
The AFL Canada National Team Selection Policy aims to ensure that whilst providing the national teams with the best opportunity for success at the international level, we foster and support growth and development amongst our players. It also aims to set out a minimum standard that is to be followed by AFL Canada coaches to ensure a fair and balanced process that allows us to achieve these aims.
Access the AFL Canada Selection Policy Here:
Players may also contact the National Program managers directly to receive updates about upcoming events and tryouts. If you’d like to be involved in the high-performance programs, please contact development@aflcanada for both mens and womens
Team Canada Coaches
Northwind
- 2022-Present: Sean Goedheer
- 2015-2022: Cody Royle
- 2012-2015: Ben Roberts
- 2011-2012: Jaye MacCumber
- 2010-2011: Emile Studham
- 2006-2010: Mark Block
- 2002-2006: Greg Everett
- 2001-2002: Gary Finch
- 2000-2001: Chris Cunning
Northern Lights
- 2025-Present: Dean Hinchliffe
- 2023-2025: Tricia Rolfe
- 2018-2023: Candace Kwan
- 2013-2018: Jason Arnold
- 2010-2013: Tristain Waldock
- 2007-2010: Jake Ansen
World XVIII Members
Northwind
- Neil Casey (2014)
- Victor Cinco (2024)
- Scott Fleming (2008)
- Eric Klein (2017)
- Stephan Leyhane (2002)
- Emmanuel Mattata (2008)
- Rob McEwan (2005)
- Paul Loughnane (2005)
- Steve Rutledge (2011)
- Nathan Strom (2014)
- Morgan Whyte (2024)
Northern Lights
- Danah Arnold (2014)
- Kirsten Bodashefsky (2014)
- Anna Brancati (2024)
- Emma Dickinson (2014)
- Mabel Dunn (2024)
- Sarah Ennor (2011)
- Veronica Fernandez (2014)
- Leonor Gaillard (2024)
- Jaclyn Halliday (2024)
- Kendra Heil (2014)
- Lara Hilmi (2014, 2017, 2024)
- Caitlin Kidd (2011)
- Nicole Kirwan (2017)
- Erin Le Blanc (2011)
- Aimee Legault (2011, 2014 + team captain, 2017)
- Erin Loughnane (2011, 2024)
- Valerie Moreau (2017)
- Hilarry Perry (2014, 2017)
- Renee Tong (2014)
- Jason Arnold (2017 – Coach of the Team of the Tournament)
Our Partners
