The National Second Tier competition will kick off next October with Football Australia revealing details of the format and start date for the new competition.
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.
The new competition structure 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 foundation clubs will be granted automatic access and will be joined by eight invitational clubs comprised of the member federation National Premier League state premiers from the respective domestic season in the first season.
APIA Leichhardt, Avondale, Marconi Stallions, Preston Lions, South Melbourne, Sydney Olympic, Sydney United 58 and Wollongong Wolves are the foundation clubs that were previously announced.
The competition will be held annually between October and December, initially across nine matchday rounds, and concluding with a championship final in early December.
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson shared 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.”
During the past 12 months, Football Australia has undertaken two comprehensive request for proposal (RFP) processes to select NST clubs.
The process 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 and away league competition prior to the deadline in June.
Caroline Springs George Cross is one of those clubs of those six clubs.
Football Australia said it will continue to monitor these clubs as they seek to advance their bid proposals.
Football Australia has also committed to a third NST selection process, expanded to target clubs outside of the initial expression of interest process and predominantly from underrepresented states.
