The board of the Finnish American Football Association (SAJL) confirmed licenses for five teams to participate in the 2025 Women’s Maple League during its Thursday evening meeting. A new addition to the league will be the Kuopio Steelers.

The Women’s Maple League will continue as a five-team series in the 2025 season. League licenses were granted to the Turku Trojans, Helsinki Wolverines, Tampere Saints, Wasa Royals, and Kuopio Steelers.

The Kuopio Steelers, who dominated the First Division with an undefeated season in 2024, return to the top level of women’s football after a five-year hiatus. Meanwhile, last season’s fourth-place team, the Oulu Northern Lights, announced at the end of the season that they will step down to the First Division. Despite a strong season in the Women’s Maple League, the Oulu team believes that the development of their squad will be better facilitated at a lower level.

Isaak Marshall, head coach of the Kuopio Steelers women’s team, commented on the promotion earlier on the club’s website:

”Our goal is to build a team that can compete every year with the best teams in the country. We have work to do to reach the consistently high level of teams like the Turku Trojans and Helsinki Wolverines. However, we’re excited about this new chapter for Steelers Women in the Maple League.”

Jenni Kuitunen, the league manager of the Women’s Maple League, expressed her satisfaction that the league will continue with five teams:

”I believe the series will be both competitive and of high quality. I wish all the licensed teams a successful season.”

The schedule for the Women’s Maple League will be finalized in spring 2025. As in previous seasons, all league games will be broadcast live on the Ruutu streaming service.