Published: October 2023

United States Australian Football League Brings 2023 USAFL Nationals to Premier Sports Campus, October 13-15

Over 40 Australian football teams from across the US and Canada will compete for titles in this fast-paced tournament.

 

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL (October 10, 2023) – Today, Visit Sarasota County and the United States Australian Football League (USAFL), announced the 26th Annual USAFL Nationals will take place at Lakewood Ranch’s Premier Sports Campus from October 13th to 15th, 2023. This prestigious 3-day event will bring together a diverse roster of clubs and teams from across the United States and Canada, where they will compete for championship titles across multiple divisions.

The USAFL Nationals is the ultimate showcase of Australian Football, a dynamic sport that combines elements from various disciplines such as soccer, football, basketball, and volleyball. Players, much like in soccer, take on various positions, including forwards, wings, and backs, and have the unique ability to both kick and handle the ball, affectionately referred to as the "footy." With the freedom to move anywhere on the field, the game offers unparalleled excitement and athleticism.

“We are excited to return to Bradenton-Sarasota for our 26th annual USAFL National Championships,” said Doren James, USAFL Executive Director. “Nationals is the World's Largest Australian Football Tournament bringing together over 43 teams in men's and women's divisions from across the US and Canada with fans and special guests attending from Australia. This year marks our third time holding the event in Bradenton-Sarasota and we are extremely excited to return. We hosted the 2016 and 2019 Nationals at Premier Sports Campus and have found it to be the best venue in the entire US for hosting the event. Both the Bradenton Area CVB and Visit Sarasota have been fantastic partners over the years. We are grateful for their support and look forward to working with them to deliver another world class event for our players, teams, and fans!"

The weekend kicks off at 7pm on Friday, October 13th with a skills competition and opening ceremony featuring a special interview with Mason Cox, an American-Australian professional Australian rules footballer who plays for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League.

The championship event will be held Saturday, October 14th and Sunday, October 15th, at the Premier Sports Campus located at 5895 Post Blvd Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211. Admission and parking are free to spectators. Games on Saturday and Sunday begin at 9am, and will start at the top of the hour through 5pm. The event also will include booths featuring traditional Australian foods and beverages, as well as tournament merchandise. For further details on the tournament, visit the USAFL website at https://usafl.com/nationals/2023.

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About USAFL

The United States Australian Football League, founded in 1997, is an amateur, grassroots sports organization dedicated to the development of Australian Football in the United States. The USAFL is the national governing body of Australian Football in the United States and an international affiliate of the Australian Football League (AFL). The organization is focused on the promotion and awareness of Australian Football and Aussie culture. Every October, the USAFL hosts the world’s largest Australian Football tournament. For more information on the USAFL, its clubs or to learn more about the game, visit https://usafl.com/.

About Visit Sarasota County

Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. It is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, a program of the Destination Management Association International (DMAI). VSC meets the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, fiscal management, and ethical principles. Visit www.visitsarasota.com for more information.

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