It all started as a few friends having a kick around in the park and now, a quarter of a century later, the Wimbledon Hawks are getting ready for their 25th season in the British Australian Football League (BAFL).

The club are planning a big celebration in London before the new season gets underway on April 25.

They face Putney Magpies at the Sir Joseph Hood memorial playing fields, which doubles as their home venue.

The Hawks were one of the inaugural teams in the BAFL in 1989 and dominated its first decade, winning seven of the first 10 championships.

Club president Ross Ashman said: “While our success on the pitch has been impressive, I’m equally proud of our culture as an all inclusive club.

“The reason why hundreds of members stay in touch with us from all over the world is because the club played such a big part in their lives.”

The Hawks squad consists mainly of Australians and Brits, with a smattering of players from the rest of the world. They also have a women’s team with around 15 regular players.

Ashman said: “Last season was the first time we had ladies at training and since then we have women represented on our committee.

“Wimbledon Hawks Ladies will be a force to be reckoned with in the inaugural AFL London Women’s competition in 2015.”

Ashman, 28, has represented Great Britain in Aussie Rules, playing in the European Championships in Copenhagen in 2010 and the International Cup in Sydney, Australia in 2011.

He summed up the appeal of the game by saying: “Aussie Rules is a fast-paced game, combining exciting skills from other sports which have been played in this country for years.

“There’s jumping and catching from basketball, hand-to-eye co-ordination from cricket, kicking skills from football and tackling from rugby. I would encourage any sports enthusiast to give it a go.”

To give it a go, email club@wimbledonhawks.com, like their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @wimbledonhawks.