Carlstad Crusaders women’s team set for historic international games in 2026
The Carlstad Crusaders women’s team is breaking new ground, set to compete internationally in the newly formed European Champions Football League (ECFL) against the Dutch club, the Gridiron Dutchiess during the spring of 2026. This marks a significant step in expanding competitive opportunities for women’s club football in Europe, following years of dedicated effort by the Crusaders organization.
A landmark moment for women’s football
For years, the Carlstad Crusaders sports group has worked to create international tournament opportunities for its women’s program, drawing inspiration from the men’s team’s established success in European competitions. Through persistent collaboration with both the Swedish and Dutch American football federations, the ECFL was born. This spring 2026 double-header against the Gridiron Dutchiess will offer elite eleven-women football, a format the club eagerly anticipates returning to.
Building a vision for the future
The European Champions Football League is a working title for a tournament the Crusaders hope will expand significantly by 2027, eventually including more club teams from across Europe. Playing in both the Swedish Football League (SFL) and internationally will require considerable effort, but the club is confident in its staff and players’ drive to adapt between nine-women and eleven-women formats. As playing sports director Nathalie Bengtsson notes, maintaining physical freshness throughout an intense season will be crucial to achieving success in both competitions.
This international opportunity reflects the Crusaders’ commitment to leading the way in Swedish American football and providing meaningful, high-level opportunities for women athletes. The entire organization is energized by this chance to compete on a European stage—a reward for years of determined effort and a sign of more growth to come.
