Anticipation Builds as NWFL Season Kicks Off: A Preview of the Thrilling Fixtures Ahead

As the countdown to kick-off begins, excitement reverberates throughout the UK's National Women's Contact American Football League (NWFL). With the league divided into the high-intensity 9v9 NWFL National League and the fast-paced 7v7 NWFL Development Leagues, fans eagerly await a season filled with adrenaline-pumping action and fierce competition. From the reigning champions facing formidable challengers to the birth of new rivalries and the resurgence of familiar foes, each fixture promises to be a captivating chapter in the unfolding narrative of women's gridiron football. Join us as we preview the electrifying matchups awaiting fans in both the NWFL National League and the Development Leagues.

NWFL National League

Solent Thrashers vs London Warriors (1:00 pm)

The NWFL National League kicks off with an electrifying clash between the Solent Thrashers and the reigning champions, the London Warriors. Solent enters this season with a significant transition, making the leap from 7v7 to the more challenging 9v9 format. Their flawless 8-0 record in the NWFL Regional Central division last season demonstrates their prowess, but facing the formidable London Warriors presents an early test of their mettle. The Warriors, boasting a perfect 4-0 record from the previous National League season, set the standard high, making this opening fixture one filled with anticipation and intrigue.

NWFL Development Leagues

North

Newcastle Shieldmaidens vs Cheshire Bears (11:00 am)

Caledonia Chaos vs Cheshire Bears (1:00 pm)

Newcastle Shieldmaidens vs Caledonia Chaos (3:00 pm)

In the North division of the NWFL Development Leagues, the stage is set for a day of intense matchups as the Newcastle Shieldmaidens, Cheshire Bears, and the newly formed Caledonia Chaos collide in a triple-header showdown. The Cheshire Bears face a fresh start this season, encountering entirely new opposition after a challenging 1-7 campaign last year. Their quest for improvement begins against the Caledonia Chaos, a team born from a strategic partnership between the East Kilbride Pirates and the Edinburgh Wolves. This amalgamation of former rivals promises an intriguing dynamic on the field, with both sides eager to establish their dominance in the league. Meanwhile, the Newcastle Shieldmaidens make a welcome return to the competition after a hiatus in 2023, adding another layer of excitement to an already captivating fixture lineup.

South

Hertfordshire Cheetahs vs Norwich Devils (1:00 pm)

Kent Exiles vs Cardiff Valkyries (1:00 pm)

Hertfordshire Cheetahs vs Cardiff Valkyries (3:00 pm)

Kent Exiles vs Norwich Devils (3:00 pm)

In the South division of the NWFL Development Leagues, anticipation runs high as the Hertfordshire Cheetahs, Norwich Devils, Kent Exiles, and Cardiff Valkyries prepare for a thrilling day of gridiron action. Cardiff enters this season facing fresh challenges, with Leicester's withdrawal from the league and Solent's promotion to the National League reshaping their competition landscape. Their clash against the Hertfordshire Cheetahs, whom they narrowly edged out in a 10-9 battle last season, promises to be a riveting rematch. Meanwhile, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Norwich renew their rivalries from the previous season, with tight contests and narrow margins characterising their past encounters. The familiarity between these teams sets the stage for intense matchups, none more so than the Kent Exiles and Norwich Devils, who squared off an impressive four times last season, with Kent emerging victorious in three of those encounters. With Kent emerging as early favourites following their strong showing in the previous season, the Development South division is poised to deliver a fiercely competitive spectacle for fans to savour.