NEW PLAYER INFO
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NEW TO AUSSIE RULES? START WITH THE DENVER BULLDOGS.
So you’ve just heard about Australian Rules Football and want to know what it’s like to actually play in Denver. The Denver Bulldogs are a competitive, welcoming Aussie Rules club where new players of all ages and experience levels can jump in, learn the game, and become part of our footy community.
The Denver Bulldogs are a nationally (and sometimes internationally) competing Australian Football League team with the USAFL. Although we have a few hometown scrimmages, most of our trainings prepare us for competitions. Our season runs from May to October, during which we compete in several tournaments (both home and away), Regionals, and Nationals; some years with more travel than others.
In addition to being a sports club, The Bulldogs are also a social club. Aimed at indulging the Australian members of our club, and the American, we hold numerous social events throughout the season. Both our men's and women's teams come together for watch parties, galas, dinner, post game drinks, and social nights out; we encourage everyone to take part of the fun!
Most importantly, The Bulldogs are a club for you. We're here to spread our love for footy and good competition and hope to have you along for the ride. All skill levels welcome!
ANYONE CAN PLAY AUSSIE RULES!
No Experience? Perfect.
Most new Bulldogs have never played Aussie Rules before. Many come from other sports like soccer, rugby, basketball, American football, lacrosse, or running. Some haven’t played a team sport in years.
At training, coaches and experienced players will walk you through:
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Basic skills: kicking, handballing, marking, and tackling
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How the rules work in real game situations
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How to build fitness and confidence at your own pace
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How to stay safe and play with proper technique
You don’t need to be in peak shape. You just need a willingness to learn and a good attitude.
Men’s, Women’s, and Coed Players All are Welcome
We’re actively recruiting:
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New men’s players who want a fast, physical, and competitive team sport
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New women’s players who want to develop skills, fitness, and be part of a supportive team
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Adults of all ages looking for a fun, challenging way to stay active and meet people
Whether your goal is to push yourself at the highest level or just find a new hobby, we’ll help you find the right fit within the club.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST TRAINING
Your first session is designed to make you feel comfortable and involved, not overwhelmed. A typical new‑player training includes:
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Warm‑up and simple movement drills
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Core skills: kicking, handballing, and marking with coaching feedback
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Small‑sided games that teach rules while you play
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Optional fitness work and cool‑down at the end
You can take breaks whenever you need, ask questions, and we’ll pair you with players at a similar level.
What to bring:
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Athletic clothes
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Cleats/boots or running shoes
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Water bottle
First‑time tip: Arrive 10–15 minutes early, introduce yourself to a coach, and let us know you’re new so we can look after you.
SOCIAL EVENTS AND CLUB CULTURE
Footy is more than just training and game days. As a Bulldog, you’ll be invited to:
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Social events after trainings and matches
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Team dinners, watch parties, and club fundraisers
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Big events like Nationals trips and end‑of‑season celebrations
These are great chances to meet the team, bring friends or family, and experience the community side of Aussie Rules.
Our Club Culture: A Footy Family in Colorado
When you join the Denver Bulldogs, you’re not just joining a team—you’re stepping into a ready‑made community. We work hard to recreate the feeling of an Australian Rules Football club in Australia, right here in Colorado, so that anyone who loves footy or wants to discover it feels at home the moment they arrive.
For Aussies who are new to Denver or feeling a bit homesick, the club becomes a piece of home: familiar banter, shared slang, post‑game yarns, and a group of people who understand what “footy culture” really means. For locals and non‑Aussies, it’s a chance to experience that same welcoming, inclusive atmosphere—where it doesn’t matter where you’re from, just that you show up and get involved.
For a lot of Americans, organized sport ends after high school unless you play in college, and that can leave a huge gap—no locker room, no teammates, no big games circled on the calendar. Joining the Denver Bulldogs gives you that part of your life back: real practices, real teammates, real wins and losses that matter, plus a group of people who will cheer for you on and off the field. If you’ve ever missed having a team, this is your chance to have one again as an adult.
On and off the field, we look out for each other. People carpool to training, help each other move house, share job leads, celebrate life milestones, and rally around teammates when things are tough. We have regular social events, watch parties for big AFL matches, and plenty of chances to bring partners, friends, and kids into the mix.
The way we see it, when you show up to the Denver Bulldogs, you don’t just meet a team—you walk into a room full of 200 new best friends. Whether you’re chasing a premiership, a new social circle, or a sense of belonging in a new city, you’ll find a place here in the Bulldogs family.
HOW TO GET STARTED TODAY
Pick a training or event
Visit our Calendar and choose a training session or social event that fits your schedule.
Let us know you’re coming
Use our Contact form (or New Player form) and tell us your name, any sports background, and which session you’re planning to attend.
Show up and say you’re new
When you arrive, find a coach or player in Denver Bulldogs gear, introduce yourself, and we’ll look after you from there.
WEEKLY TRAINING IS:
APRIL - OCTOBER
SO YOU WANT TO BECOME A BULLDOG?
Great choice! There's just a few steps to get you ready for the season...
Meet the team
Join the USAFL
Pay your club dues
Celebrate!
Get connected on our WhatsApp through the contact form
Click here to learn how to register with the USAFL. If you have questions, ask a team captain.
We're a non-profit, club dues are how we pay for fields, supplies, coaches, and events!
You're all set to have a great season!
