PLFA

The Polish American Football League or PLFA (Polish: Polska Liga Futbolu Amerykańskiego) is a structured system for American Football competitions in Poland and was founded in 2006. Since the 2008 season, PLFA has been divided into two leagues (PLFA I and PLFA II).

In the 2011 season there are 22 teams competing in PLFA (10 teams in PLFA I and 12 teams in PLFA II). PLFA II is divided into two divisions, (North and South).

American football is arguably the fastest growing sport in Poland. American football, as a sport that is actually played, appeared in Poland in 1999, when a pioneer initiative was set up in Warsaw. The Polish American Football Association (Polish: Polski Związek Futbolu Amerykańskiego or shortly PZFA) was created in November of 2004, initiated by the first two American football teams: Warsaw Eagles and 1. KFA Wielkopolska. Its founding, was a response to the dynamic growth of the American football movement in Poland.

The first game between Polish teams (still without professional equipment) was played in December of 2005 in Poznań. The historic game, officiated by professionals, was played in March of 2006 – The Warsaw Eagles took on Czech team Pardubice Stallions in a game played in Warsaw. From that moment on teams began to develop in different parts of the country.

Polish American Football League started in October 2006 with just 4 teams. There were 9 teams competing for the second championship in 2007. In 2008 the league was split into two divisions - PLFA I (8 teams) and PLFA II (9 teams). There were 22 teams competing for the 2009 season and 21 for the 2010 season.

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A regular season in PLFA I begins in March / April and ends in June / July. Each team plays nine games against each team once (4 or 5 home games and 5 or 4 away games). The winning team is awarded 2 points, 1 point is awarded for a tie and zero points are awarded for losing. After a regular season, the top four teams qualify for the play-offs (1st placed against 4th placed and 2nd against 3rd) and the Semi-Final winners meet in the championship game called PLFA I Final (more commonly known as the Polish Bowl); there is no 3rd place game.

PLFA II is divided into two divisions. The teams play five games against each team once and one bonus game with another division rival. After a regular season, the top three teams in each division go to the play-offs.

After the season, the PLFA II Champion is promoted to the PLFA I (last PLFA I team is relegated to the PLFA II). PLFA I 9th placed team and the PLFA II runner-up play a promotion / relegation game.

American Football in Warsaw

There are currently three American Football teams in Warsaw:

1. Warsaw Eagles: The team was founded in June 1999 as the first American football team in Poland. In 2006 they won the first final of the Polish American Football League against Pomorze Seahawks. In 2008 they won the Polish Bowl again against the Seahawks.

Visit the Warsaw Eagles Website or facebook page.

2. Warsaw Spartans: This team play in the PLFA 11 North League which they joined in 2008.

Visit the Warsaw Spartans Website or facebook page.

3. Warsaw Werewolves: This team play in the PLFA 11 North League which they joined in 2011.

Visit the Warsaw Werewolves Website or facebook page.

 

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