The AFL has released the fixture dates and locations for the 2023 AFL National Championships (U18) and 2023 AFL National Development Championships (U16).

The competitions will run from April to August and will feature the most talented under 18 and under 16 boys and girls footballers from across Australia, some of who may become the next generation of stars in the men’s and women’s game.

AFL Head of Talent Pathways, Grant Williams, said: “These Championships are the highest standard of representative state and territory football for aspiring talented players across Australia.

“The Championships provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best young talent in our game and we look forward to seeing the best boys and girls footballers compete against each other in matches played across the country.

“It was a great outcome to have the Championships return in 2022 after two Covid-interrupted years and we are extremely excited to have the boys and girls competitions run in conjunction in 2023.”

The action commences with the 2023 AFL National Development Championships – U16 Girls, which will be played from Tuesday, April 11 through to Sunday, April 30.

For the first time, the AFL National Development Championships – U16 Girls will be played as an interstate carnival, with matches scheduled across four states.

The competition will feature 10 teams, who will each play two matches. All games will be played across a three-week period, which will include a triple-header in Queensland, as well as several double-headers. 

The opening match of the 2023 AFL National Championships – U18 Girls will be played between Western Australia and South Australia on Sunday, April 30.

All remaining games will be played throughout July and August, culminating with a game between Western Australia and Victoria Country on Saturday, August 19.

2023 AFL National Development Championships – U16 Girls

Teams: Brisbane Lions Academy, Gold Coast SUNS Academy, GWS GIANTS Academy, Northern Territory, South Australia, Sydney Swans Academy, Tasmania, Victoria Country, Victoria Metro and Western Australia

2023 AFL National Championships – U18 Girls

Teams: Allies (comprising ACT, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Tasmania), Queensland, South Australia, Victoria Country, Victoria Metro and Western Australia

*All match details subject to change.

Click here for the U16 and U18 Boys' fixtures.