Swiss Heidis
The Rise of Women’s Aussie Rules Football in Switzerland 🇨🇭
Women’s Australian football in Switzerland was sparked by the trailblazing Ulrike Senti. While studying abroad in Tasmania, Australia, she discovered Aussie Rules and instantly fell in love with the game. Upon returning home, Ulrike played her first match during Switzerland’s inaugural official Aussie Rules game in Winterthur, 2018. Her passion drove her to help establish AFL Switzerland, serving as the league’s first secretary and later president from 2021 to 2022.
The Swiss Heidis made their international debut at the 2019 Euro Cup in Norrtälje, Sweden. Coached by Tommy Ross and co-captained by Katherine Dellar and Ulrike Senti, the Heidis finished 7th out of 8 teams—an admirable feat considering most players had no prior international experience. Behind the scenes, Larissa Waibel played a key role in recruiting talent for the squad. The team was bolstered by ex-rugby player Matilda Lea, alongside standout performers Yael Weissman and Svenja Müller-Byrnes.
Yael continued playing for the Winterthur Lions until 2024 due to injury, but her love for the game led her to become a full-time AFL Switzerland field umpire under head umpire James Olle’s guidance. Svenja was a long-standing member of the Basel Dragons before relocating to Berlin in 2023.
In 2022, Ulrike was forced to step back from football due to injury, passing the torch to Claira Lea to lead the Swiss Heidis’ organization and recruitment efforts. Claira also lead the Heidis as captain for 2 years. Under national coach Dave White, the Heidis competed in the 2022 and 2023 Euro Cups, with stalwarts Svenja and Yael once again donning the red and white.
Unfortunately, due to player relocations and injuries, the Heidis couldn’t field teams for the 2024 and 2025 Euro Cups. Still, hope is far from lost. Current AFL Switzerland CEO Jason Ransome has made revitalizing the women’s national team a top priority, with an eye on the 2026 Euro Cup. Several women remain active in the league, and a nationwide series of “Come & Try” sessions is planned for 2026 to attract new talent and reignite the Heidis spirit.
Past Euro Cup Results
Swiss Heidis Euro Cup Squads
Swiss Heidis in the Media
