Looking to get fit, learn a fun new sport and meet a great bunch of H-town locals, expats and instant friends?
We are a group of Aussies, Americans, Canadians, Kiwis, English, Irish and various other internationals in Houston who get together on a weekly basis for fun and exercise around the ‘Greatest Game on Earth’ – Australian Rules Football. Also known as AFL, Aussie Rules, Australian Football and Footy. All are welcome to come out and have a kick any time.
What is Australian Rules Football?
Australian rules football, also called Australian football or Aussie rules, or more simply football or footy, is a contact sport played between two teams of 18 players on an oval field, often a modified cricket ground. Points are scored by kicking the oval ball between the central goal posts (worth six points), or between a central and outer post (worth one point, otherwise known as a "behind").
During general play, players may position themselves anywhere on the field and use any part of their bodies to move the ball. The primary methods are kicking, handballing and running with the ball.
Australian Rules Football, a football sport distinctive to Australia that predates other modern football games as the first to create an official code of play. Invented in Melbourne, capital of the state of Victoria, in the late 1850s, the game was initially known as Melbourne, or Victorian, rules football and was an amalgam of various football rules that were in use at English public (independent) schools. Although Australian rules football is one of several football sports played today in Australia, the national professional Australian Football League (formerly known as the Victorian Football League) is the country’s most popular sports competition in terms of attendance and television viewing.
The AFL Grand Final, held annually at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, is the second-highest-attended club championship event in the world. The sport is also played at amateur level in many countries and in several variations.
United States Australian Football League
The Houston Lonestars have been a member of the United States Australian Football League since 2009. The USAFL is the official governing body of Australian Football in the US. There are currently 47 clubs in the US with the majority of clubs supporting a mens and womens team. The USAFL showcases two main tournaments for the year - Regionals in summer and Nationals in October - at various locations throughout the country. It also oversees the US Mens (USA Revolution) & Womens (USA Freedom)National teams at international competitions.
Join the Houston Lonestars AFC!
Player Members
The Lonestars have mens and womens teams with ages ranging in ages of all skill levels and experience - Men, Women & Juniors. Everyone is welcome to come and try this exciting sport and inclusive, friendly community!
We are looking for anyone who wants to learn the skills of our great game and participate in either competitive or social games or just training. You don't necessarily have to want to play in the full contact games - just participating in our club and having fun is welcome. We are also looking for players who want to take it to the next level and play games and tournaments versus other cities in the US Australian Football League(USAFL), perhaps try out for the US National Teams or even play for a club in Australia!
Our game schedule runs April-October and we play approx 8-10 home & away games per year against teams such as Dallas, North Texas, Austin, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Tulsa and more. We meet up 2 times a week for training with experienced coaches on hand to teach the game. Location and times can vary throughoput the year so it's best to contact us direct or follow our socials.
There are also two big tournaments during the year - USAFL Regionals in June/July and USAFL Nationals in October in various locations around the US. As our past and current members will attest, the away games are a highlight of playing AFL in the USA, taking on different cities whilst visiting many parts of this amazing country as a team.
Social Members
We are very much a Family club at Houston. We welcome all spectators and club supporters who enjoy watching a great sport and participating in fun social events at various events around Houston. We are a very family orientated club and love to the kids out running around and supporting the team. Junior footy clinics are held regularly. If you are new to Houston it is a great way to have 80 instant mates and partners, kids,dogs, cats.. are more than welcome to come out for a run or kick and join us on the road for the fun at away games.
2024 USAFL National Division 2 Mens Champions (Austin, TX)
2022 USAFL National Division 2 Womens Champions Texas Heat (Ontario,CA)
2017 Inaugural Texas Heat Womens Team (San Diego,CA)
2016 USAFL Central Regionals Division 2 Mens Champions (Indianapolis,IN)
2013 USAFL National Division 3 Mens Champions (Austin,TX)
