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Scotland

This page is a quick snapshot of the status of Australian Football in Scotland. For further information, browse our news items or use the search facility. If you wish to contact football officials from the country, please search our site for links to their leagues or clubs, including in our Atlas. If unsuccessful, we can normally assist with putting people in touch.

Approx population (2009):   5 million

National side:   Scottish Puffins (in European international matches). At International Cups Scottish players are eligible for Great Britain Bulldogs selection.

Governing body:   AFL Britain is recognised by the AFL as the controlling body in the UK, but specifically within Scotland the game is run by the AFL Britain-affiliated SARFL.

Primary contact / link:   Scottish ARFL

Clubs:
Aberdeen Dingoes
Glasgow Sharks
Edinburgh Bloods

WFN Census (2004):   3 senior teams, 27 senior players, 0 juniors

WFN World Ranking (2008):   At the International Cups Scottish players represent Great Britain (equal 9th)

History:   Through the 1990s and early 2000s there were several attempts to create and sustain Australian football clubs in Scotland. From 2003 onwards there has been a small league, mostly revolving around 1 or 2 teams in each of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Notable additions were the Middlesborough Hawks from northern England competing in 2006 before joining an English league, and Aberdeen a recent addition.

The national side, the Puffins, have competed occasionally such as in some EU Cups and against Wales.

See also Great Britain

Outlook (2010):   There have been positive plans at various stages since the turn of the century but the SARFL appears to be struggling to maintain more than 2 or 3 regular clubs, so at this stage the outlook appears fairly modest. However current officials are optimistic of growth, with plans for clubs in cities such as Dundee, Perth and Stirling. It will also be interesting to see if the formation of EAFA can help them in any way.

Other points of interest:  

Last Updated: Wednesday, March 10 2010 @ 03:14 pm ACDT| Hits: 4,619