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.
Northern Lights (Women’s)
The Northern Lights made their debut in 2007 before participating in the first Women’s AFL International Cup in 2011. The Lights won the 2014 International Cup and finished 2nd in the 2017 tournament.
Coached by Tricia Rolfe, the Lights have consistently demonstrated the strength of women’s footy in Canada.
Want to learn more about the program? Send your queries to development@aflcanada.com
Northwind (Men’s)
Since 2002, the Northwind have participated in every AFL International Cup and have finished as high as 5th. Players are selected from clubs across Canada.
Coached by Sean Goedheer, the Northwind have driven the development of men’s footy in Canada.
Want to learn more about the program? Send your queries to development@aflcanada.com
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.
Midnight suns (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.
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
49th Parallel Cup - Mens
The Northwind make the trip down to Racine, Wisconsin to avenge their loss in the 2022 49th Parallel Cup.
Details at a Glance:
- Where: Racine, Wisconsin
- When: August 5th, 2023
- Who: The Northwind vs the USA Revolution.
49th Parallel Cup -Womens
The Northern Lights and Midnight Suns takes on their US rivals in a cross-border clash Racine, Wisconsin.
Details at a Glance
- Where: Racine, Wisconsin.
- When: August 19th, 2023
- Who: The Northern Lights vs the USA Liberty.
- Watch: TBD
2024 AFL International Cup
Summer 2024 – Details Coming Soon
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.
National Team Sponsors
Access Policy Here:
French Version
Politique de sélection de l’équipe nationale d’AFL Canada
English Version
AFL Canada National Team Selection policy
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