The tackle-free, seven-a-side format is being promoted as an accessible way for schools to build participation, confidence and connection among students from varied sporting backgrounds.
AFL Switch is being positioned as a practical way for schools to bring more students into physical activity, particularly those who may not see themselves as football players. According to the AFL’s school programme material, the format is designed to be simple to teach, easy to pick up and straightforward to play, with sessions that can be delivered by AFL staff or run by schools using supporting resources. The aim is to create an entry point where students of different sporting backgrounds can take part, feel included and gain confidence through participation.
The format sits within a wider push by the AFL to make football more adaptable for schools and communities. AFL NZ says Switch uses seven players a side on a rectangular field, with tackle-free touch play and no ball-ups, which keeps the game flowing and makes it more accessible for newcomers. AFL Schools also offers activations, incursions and school competitions, giving teachers a range of options depending on their timetables, facilities and student needs.
That broader strategy reflects a growing emphasis on belonging as well as physical activity. AFL Community Connect has been co-designed with families, community groups and councils to provide culturally safe sessions for children and parents from different backgrounds, while AFL GOALS is a free programme for students aged 10 to 15 that uses football-themed lessons to discuss mental fitness, resilience, sleep, social media and friendship. Taken together, these initiatives show how the AFL is trying to use sport not just to develop skills, but to build confidence, connection and a more welcoming school environment.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
