By Michael Preston, IFAF
The 2023/24 IFAF Women’s European Championships kickoff this Saturday, April 15, when silver medalists and surprise package from last year’s World Championships, Great Britain, take on Sweden, the beaten finalists from the 2019 Euro tournament.
The game is the first of 10 to be played this year and in 2024 as part of a round robin tournament to decide the IFAF European Championship, replacing the single host nation format. Three-time reigning champions Finland will defend their crown against Germany, Great Britain, Spain and Sweden. The nation that finishes on top of the standings once the competition concludes in August 2024 will be the champions.
Great Britain and Sweden meet at Sixways Stadium in Worcester (kickoff 3pm UK time) with their sights set on the path to continental glory. The two nations last met in Leeds in the 2019 European Championships when Sweden defeated the hosts 9-6 to progress to the final where they claimed the silver medal.
Tickets are available here. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/great-britain-women-vs-sweden-women-ifaf-european-championships-2023-tickets-585716763607?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
“We set off to Finland last summer for the IFAF World Championships to make history and we did that by bringing home the silver medal,” said Great Britain head coach Chris Stone. “Over the next two years we have the opportunity to make history again as we strive to win a gold a medal in the European Championships, the first in BAFA’s history.
“This will hopefully be another springboard to seeing more females become involved in the game and create a legacy this team can be proud of, knowing their impact will live long after their careers.”
The Great Britain squad includes 10 players representing their nation for the first time in a game being played 10 years since the Lions took to the field for a women’s international for the first time, when Sweden were also the opponents.
“It will for sure be a very tough task to face such a good opponent,” said Sweden coach Anna Jonsson. “The Swedish team is a mix of experienced players, while some are playing their very first international game. All the coaches and the whole team are really looking forward to the game.”
The IFAF European Championships continue when Finland host Spain in Vantaa on Saturday, May 27, then 24 hours later at Solingen Walder Stadium in Duesseldorf, Great Britain will again be in action away to Germany. The tournament continues in August 2023 and in April, May and August of 2024.
Full schedule below
2023/24 IFAF Women’s European Championships
Saturday, April 15, 3pm
GB vs Sweden
Worcester, England
Sixways Stadium
Saturday, May 27, 6pm
Finland vs Spain
Vantaa, Finland
MUP
Sunday, May 28, 2pm
Germany vs GB
Dusseldorf, Germany
Solingen Walder Stadium
Saturday, August 26, 6pm
Spain vs Germany
Calatayud, Spain
Saturday, August 26, 1pm
Sweden vs Finland
Stockholm, Sweden
Bergshamra IP
April 12-14, 2024
Spain vs GB
May 14-16, 2024
Finland vs Germany
Sweden vs Spain
August 16-18, 2024
Germany vs Sweden
GB vs Finland