Australia to face New Zealand in American football at the 2027 Festival of Football
American Football Australia (AFA) has announced the Festival of Football will return to the Gold Coast in 2027, with Australia's U16, U18 and Men's tackle teams set to play New Zealand American Football Federation (NZAFF) teams on Saturday 10 July.
In preparation for the test matches, the annual Australian national tackle camp will return, this time taking place in Queensland from Saturday 3 to Friday 9 July, proudly supported by the City of Gold Coast.
Basing the camp in the same city as the test matches allows the U16, U18 and Men's squads to prepare in match day conditions and then advance into game day without interstate travel, providing players and coaches the opportunity for a full, uninterrupted week together before they face their trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand.
Wade Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of American Football Australia, said:
“Our international fixtures against New Zealand every July are a key part of both AFA's and NZAFF's strategies to grow participation. We're looking forward to hosting the Festival of Football in 2027, and we thank the City of Gold Coast for supporting our national tackle camp, which gives our players and coaches the best possible preparation for the test matches.”
On the partnership with NZAFF, Kelly said:
“Our partnership with New Zealand creates fantastic international opportunities for players, coaches, officials and volunteers in both countries. New Zealand is our nearest neighbour, our biggest rival and our strongest ally.”
Speaking on American Football Australia’s pathways, Kelly added:
“Our clubs and states have done a great job building the pathway, and that will continue to grow. To get a test cap against New Zealand in any sport is a coveted achievement, and ours is no different. I can't wait to see this build year on year.”
Tom Tate, Mayor of the City of Gold Coast, said:
“Our city has a proud history of promoting global sport, from the 2018 Commonwealth Games to our co-host role in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics. “Global sport is our business and we welcome the opportunity to partner with American Football Australia to bring this national camp to the Gold Coast.
“As Mayor, I know we have the facilities, support services and technical skills to make this camp a success. Let’s roll out the red carpet in 2027 as we continue to build strong ties with American Football Australia.”
The 2027 Festival of Football will return to the Gold Coast, following the inaugural edition of the event in 2025.
2027 FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL
Australia v New Zealand
Saturday 10 July | Gold Coast
U16, U18 and Men's tackle teams
Venue: TBA
Ticketing: TBA
Livestream: TBA
National camp: Saturday 3 to Friday 9 July | Gold Coast
All three matches will be open to the public as ticketed events, with all games streamed live and free.
Sign up for updates on event details, ticketing and the selection of staff, coaches and national squad members for the 2027 Festival of Football.
Stay up to date on American Football in Australia, follow @americanfootballau on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
For more information on American football in Australia, visit americanfootball.org.au
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Stay up to date on American Football in Australia, follow @americanfootballau on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
For more information on American football in Australia, visit americanfootball.org.au
Download the AFA app today:
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Media contact
Brock Bentley Chief Marketing Officer, American Football Australia
American Football Australia
American Football Australia (AFA) is the national governing body for American Football in Australia, recognised by the Australian Sports Commission and a full member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). AFA is responsible for national competitions and the development of Australian national teams across both tackle and flag football.
