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Benchwarmer
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OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM GRIDIRON WEST
Withdrawal from American Football Australia (AFA)
5 August 2025
After extensive consultation with our member clubs and stakeholders, Gridiron West has made the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw recognition of American Football Australia (AFA) as the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for Western Australia.
While we acknowledge AFA’s recent efforts to address long-standing issues, it is evident that there has been a complete loss of confidence in the current leadership. Continued concerns regarding lack of consultation, inequitable decision-making, and inadequate support for WA athletes, coaches, and programs have left us with no viable path forward under the existing structure.
Effective immediately:
Gridiron West is withdrawing its membership from AFA
We will cease all financial contributions to AFA
We will focus on a WA-first approach, investing directly in the growth, development, and integrity of the sport in our state
This decision was not made lightly. Our commitment remains firmly with our players, clubs, and community. We believe a localised approach will best serve the future of American football in Western Australia.
We remain open to revisiting this position in 12 months, should there be measurable improvements in governance, transparency, and support from any future national body seeking to represent our sport.
We thank our community for their continued support and look forward to a strong and united future for American football in WA.
—
For all media enquiries, please contact:
secretary@gridironwest.com.au
www.gridironwest.com.au
Withdrawal from American Football Australia (AFA)
5 August 2025
After extensive consultation with our member clubs and stakeholders, Gridiron West has made the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw recognition of American Football Australia (AFA) as the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for Western Australia.
While we acknowledge AFA’s recent efforts to address long-standing issues, it is evident that there has been a complete loss of confidence in the current leadership. Continued concerns regarding lack of consultation, inequitable decision-making, and inadequate support for WA athletes, coaches, and programs have left us with no viable path forward under the existing structure.
Effective immediately:
This decision was not made lightly. Our commitment remains firmly with our players, clubs, and community. We believe a localised approach will best serve the future of American football in Western Australia.
We remain open to revisiting this position in 12 months, should there be measurable improvements in governance, transparency, and support from any future national body seeking to represent our sport.
We thank our community for their continued support and look forward to a strong and united future for American football in WA.
—
For all media enquiries, please contact:
