Air Force football is shaping the future of the game, with growing participation, international engagement and a renewed focus on development opportunities. 

President of the Air Force Football Association (AFFA) Group Captain Adam Saber said football was one of the largest sports in the Australian Defence Force, with more than 600 Air Force members involved.

“Our capstone event is the ADF National Championships and this year we welcomed teams from the New Zealand Defence Force, creating a true Anzac competition,” Group Captain Saber said.

The nationals featured men’s, women’s and veterans’ teams, with Air Force squads showing strong performances.

“The women’s team was outstanding – they beat New Zealand and played some of the best football we’ve seen in years,” Group Captain Saber said.

While the national tournament is the pinnacle, AFFA’s vision goes beyond a single event towards holding local competitions in every state.

“We want to make football more accessible year-round,” Group Captain Saber explained.

One area seeing significant growth is the women’s program. Participation surged this year, producing one of the strongest squads in recent memory. 

“Watching their games, it is clear the depth is growing,” Group Captain Saber said. 

“If we keep this trajectory, I’m confident we will see a trophy soon.”

'Sport mirrors service values – teamwork, discipline, resilience.'

Group Captain Saber, whose primary role is as Deputy Commander Air Mobility Group, said maintaining a consistent squad continued to be a challenge.

“Exercises, operations, PME [professional military education] all take priority, and sometimes you can’t predict how it plays out,” Group Captain Saber said. 

“But I’m confident we have a good ground swell of players across a range of ranks who will look to play again next year.”

For Leading Aircraftwoman Sinead Parobiec, an aircraft technician at 11 Squadron and newly appointed AFFA treasurer, representing Air Force through sport is a privilege.

“It’s about building strong teamwork, staying fit and creating genuine camaraderie,” Leading Aircraftwoman Parobiec said. 

“What stood out was how quickly we came together and bonded as a team.”

Development opportunities have also expanded, with the women’s team recently training with A-League coaches at Western Sydney Wanderers.

“It was an incredible opportunity to learn from a top-level coach and observe elite training,” Leading Aircraftwoman Parobiec said. 

“The insights we gained will help us grow as players and as a team.”

Group Captain Saber believes ADF sport offers benefits beyond the field. 

“Sport mirrors service values – teamwork, discipline, resilience,” he said. 

“It’s also a consideration for retention – not many other careers offer the chance to play sport alongside your day job. Players look forward to these tournaments, and those selected for ADF teams can compete internationally and at high-profile events.”