Football Australia launches National Second Tier Format

Following discussions with eight Foundation Clubs and consultation with other stakeholders, Football Australia has today launched the National Second Tier (NST) competition, aimed at elevating the domestic club football landscape in Australia.

The NST competition will be held annually between October and December, initially across nine matchday rounds, and concluding with a Championship Final in early December. The competition will commence October 2025.

Football Australia will unveil the competition's name, brand identity, marketing collateral, and the new trophy design in the coming months.

The NST will feature a 16-team format, consisting of group stage matches and culminating in an elimination Finals Series. This structure has been designed to ensure the competition model is sustainable while maintaining a high degree of competitive integrity and commercial appeal.

The eight NST Foundation Clubs will be granted automatic access and are joined by eight invitational clubs comprised of the Member Federation NPL State Premiers from the respective domestic season - delivering a national competition.

The eight clubs announced in November 2023 - APIA Leichhardt FC, Avondale FC, Marconi Stallions FC, Preston Lions FC, South Melbourne FC, Sydney Olympic FC, Sydney United 58 FC, and Wollongong Wolves FC - remain integral to the future growth of the NST and will continue to be recognised as foundation members.

The six additional clubs that have passed the technical elements of the NST RFP process include: Adelaide City FC, Caroline Springs-George Cross FC, Gold Coast United FC, Gungahlin United FC, South Hobart FC, and Sunshine Coast FC.

James Johnson, Chief Executive of Football Australia enthused "the introduction of the National Second Tier is a landmark moment for football in Australia. Following productive discussions with our eight Foundation Clubs and consultation with other stakeholders, we are committed to creating a competition that not only elevates our game but also enriches the football community at all levels. The National Second Tier will provide a new platform for iconic clubs to showcase their talent and connect with fans nationwide."

Football Australia will continue to engage with the NST Foundation Clubs, Member Federations, and other key stakeholders to refine operational details for the new competition.

Over the past 12 months, Football Australia has undertaken two comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) processes to select NST clubs. This work, supported by advisory partner BDO, has successfully identified 14 clubs representing six states and territories that have each passed the technical elements of the NST RFP process.

Six of the 14 clubs were unable to meet the mandatory financial requirements required to play in a standalone NST home & away league competition prior to the deadline in June 2024, however Football Australia will continue to monitor these clubs as they seek to advance their bid proposals.

Football Australia has also committed to a third NST RFP selection process, expanded to target clubs outside of the initial Expression of Interest process and predominantly from underrepresented states. It is hoped this enhanced national focus will identify additional foundation clubs.

Further updates will be provided as the NST continues to evolve, noting it remains a key strategic objective to establish a standalone NST home & away league competition as soon as the minimum threshold is secured.

Image: National second division foundation clubs APIA Leichhardt take on Wollongong Wolves in this season's National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition. Credit: Football NSW.