The Ladies Gridiron League (LGL) is an Australian-based non-for-profit company running a full contact, 7-a-side, women'sAmerican football league. It was created in March 2012 with an overall aim of developing American football upon Australian shores. It is an exclusively run, invite only competition with a focus on professionalism, athleticism and fun. The league aim is “to create a fun and competitive environment that supports the development of females in sport and raises the awareness of Gridiron in Australia. The LGL aims to establish a female Gridiron community that has the ability to mentor people in need, promote fairness, teamwork and respect.”[2]
In its initial stages the LGL was formed with the plan of becoming a feeder league to the previousLegends Football League (LFL) upon its commencement in Australia that year. Before the start of the 2013/14 LFL season, the agreement formed between the leagues wasnot honoured by the LFL which in turn led the LGL to cut all ties and form as an entirely new league of its own.
In 2014, the Ladies Gridiron League (LGL) officially began with the intention of bringing American Football to the forefront of Women's Sport in Australia. At the request of the players a new uniform was adopted (from the previous LFL 'uniform'), which saw the women in bike pants and sports crop tops as opposed to skimpy lingerie, allowing larger focus on the players sporting talent over a scantily clad attire. Player terms and conditions were also updated ensuring all women became insured during their time with the league and compensated for any related costs.
The Ladies Gridiron League was put into hibernation by Director Christian Ganaban whilst a suitable buyer for the broadcast games and league was pursued. Viva Sports as the LGL's largest creditor assumed control of the LGL in 2017 keeping Christian Ganaban in charge of future operations. Christian is currently working with Vince McMahon'sXFL 2020 with a view to relaunch a new incarnation of the league.
The Ladies Gridiron League have played and aired a teaser Tri Nations series similar to theRugby League Tri-Nations andTri Nations (rugby union) with teams Team Australia, Team New Zealand and Team USA. The LGL was the first women's tackle football league to run an international tri nations competition in Australia. The games were held in Melbourne with New Zealand winning the overall competition, USA second and Australia third.[4][5]
Australia
