Through extensive experience delivering development programs in international markets, AFI has recognised that the traditional 18-a-side game provides a number of participation barriers to entry outside of Australia. These include:
- a lack of access to suitably sized fields,
- the number of players required to field two teams, and
- significant infrastructure in the form of goal posts and line marking
AFI has recognised that whilst many countries do not have ready access to the large fields required to play the traditional form of Australian Football, existing fields can be utilised to deliver programs that capture its core elements.
Footy 9s has been developed by AFI to allow the game to be played on Soccer and Rugby fields throughout the world. Footy 9s can also be played on American Football fields.