In 2021, the QFL came to an end. It was quickly succeeded by what is now the Women’s Football League, taking with it much of the teams, staff, and leadership. Wesley Kuils and Miquel Alfarez, former coaching staff for the Ravens and the Cats respectively, joined to form the new board. Of the original teams, the Cats, Ravens, Bluejays, and Valkyries continued. After a first season rife with staff and player number challenges, the Rotterdam Ravens pulled out of the league.
The first official WFL Bowl was played in 2022, between the Amsterdam Cats and the Zwolle Bluejays, who joined forces with the Flevo Phantom ladies to create a killer team. The latter took home the trophy and became the very first official WFL Bowl champions.
One woman’s dream to play gridiron football led to the league we have today. Finding no women’s only football league existed in the Netherlands, she founded the first team in 2017; the Amsterdam Cats. More teams were added with the 0’30 Wolverines, Eindhoven Valkyries, The Hague Black Scorpions, Zwolle Blue Jays, and the Rotterdam Ravens.
The Queen’s Football League (QFL) emerged. The QFL played three game seasons, each ending in victory for the Cats.
The 2023 – 2024 season
The board was expanded to include some more familiar faces from the Dutch American football world, including former and current players. To be able to play the WFL Bowl in milder weather and cater to a wider audience, the 2023 season was stretched into 2024 for a one-time extended season.
Two new teams emerged over this extra long season. The Utrecht Dominators women’s tackle team joined the WFL, and to participate in the Griffins International Women’s Cup in Malmö, Sweden, a national team was established from players across the WFL: Dutch Lightning. This national team has participated in the Griffins Cup twice so far.