Football Australia today confirmed the launch of the National Second Tier (NST) competition, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to elevating the domestic club football landscape in Australia.
Following a series of workshops and consultation sessions with the eight NST Foundation Clubs, Football Australia confirmed that it will kick-off the NST in October 2025, showcasing the best of Australian club football in a contemporary and sustainable competition format.
Key highlights of the NST competition model for 2025 include:
- Commitment to Play: Football Australia, alongside the NST Foundation Clubs and key stakeholders, share a commitment to launch the NST Competition in 2025. This decision ensures alignment with the original strategic objectives of connecting the football pyramid in Australia and elevating iconic clubs to the national stage.
- New Competition Structure: 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.
- Team Composition: 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.
- Season Timeline: 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 spring calendar window provides the agility to expand and align within the Domestic Match Calendar ensuring optimal fixturing for players, fans, and stakeholders.
- Brand Launch: Football Australia can confirm the competition’s name, brand identity, marketing collateral, and the new trophy design will be unveiled in the coming months, setting the stage for a memorable debut season.
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming NST competition: “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.
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.
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.
