Women's Sport in Adelaide: Teams, Leagues and How to Get Involved

Women's sport in Adelaide has never been in a stronger position, with professional teams competing at the national level, community competitions running year-round and a growing culture of support and participation that is reshaping the city's sporting identity. Whether you want to watch elite athletes, get involved in a local club or help your daughter find her sport, Adelaide has an option for you.

At the elite level, South Australian women are represented in several major national competitions. The Adelaide Thunderbirds compete in Suncorp Super Netball and are one of the competition's best-supported clubs. Adelaide United fields a team in the A-League Women's competition, playing at Coopers Stadium in Hindmarsh. The Adelaide Lightning play in the WNBL at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, while the Adelaide Strikers Women represent South Australia in the Women's Big Bash League cricket competition. Following any one of these teams across a season is a genuinely rewarding experience, with competitive and entertaining matches across multiple codes.

In AFL, the growth of AFLW has been one of the most significant developments in Australian sport over the past decade. The Adelaide Crows AFLW team and the Port Adelaide AFLW team both compete in the national women's competition, and home games at Adelaide Oval draw strong crowds. Junior girls' AFL is booming across metropolitan Adelaide, with the SANFL and local clubs fielding girls' teams at every age level. Registering a girl in junior AFL is done through the same club network as boys' football, and most clubs have dedicated coaches and programs for their female players.

Beyond the headline competitions, women's and girls' sport flourishes across every code in Adelaide. Swimming SA, Netball SA, Basketball SA, Cricket SA, Cycling SA and Athletics SA all run competitions and programs specifically designed to encourage female participation at every age and ability level. Social competitions in touch football, volleyball, tennis and lawn bowls also welcome women and mixed-gender teams throughout the year.

For those who want to get involved as a player, coach, official or volunteer, every state sporting association has pathways and resources to help. Sport Australia's AusPlay data consistently shows South Australian women are active participants across a wide range of sports, reflecting a culture where women's sporting involvement is celebrated and encouraged. Checking the websites of individual clubs and state associations is the best way to find competitions, come-and-try events and registration information near you.

Sources: Adelaide Thunderbirds Adelaide United FC SANFL Women