Australian Championship

Upcoming Australian soccer competition

Football tournament

Australian Championship

Organising body| Football Australia
Founded| October 2025
Region| Australia
Number of teams| 16
Website| australianchampionship.com.au
2025 Australian Championship

The Australian Championship is an upcoming Australian national second-tier men's soccer competition, to be run by Football Australia and the Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC).[1]

The annual tournament will initially consist of 16 teams from the existing National Premier Leagues (NPL) state-based competitions, including eight teams categorised as "Foundation Clubs", and will take place following the NPL season.[1][2]

The competition's focus is to improve player development and to boost the overall standing of the game in Australia, by generating new interest and revenue.[3]

## History

[edit]

Although informally talked about for many years[by whom?], momentum for the idea of a national second division increased in October 2016.[4] In March 2017 "The Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC) Limited" was established, with the goal of opening dialogue with Football Federation Australia (FFA) and various other stakeholders about establishing a national second division.[5] The board consists of several members representing their respective states and is chaired by Nick Galatas. In January 2018 the AAFC released a timeline for implementation of the competition, requesting expressions of interest from clubs for participation in The Championship.[6]

In February 2019, the AAFC announced they were of the belief that the competition could be up and running by the 2020–21 season.[7] On 3 June 2019 the new national second division was given the green light by FFA, paving the way for the next stage of planning and a revised start date of the 2021–22 season.[8]

On 15 September 2020, a provisional list of 35 "partner clubs" was released to the public. The official partners included National Premier League clubs from every state in Australia.[9]

In October 2020, Football Australia released "XI Principles for the future of Australian football", also known as Vision 2035, which specifically categorised the creation of a second-tier division as part of soccer restructuring.[10]

In a January 2021 report, the AAFC claimed that the establishment of a national second division competition would be affordable and feasible.[11] During the development phase, the potential competition was known as the National Second Division (NSD) or the National Second Tier (NST).

In a July 2021 report, a Football Australia spokesperson confirmed to ESPN Australia that the competition remained a priority to the federation, while its chairman Chris Nikou declared in May that he was "expecting [an NSD model] to come to the Football Australia board in the second half of this year, and [would] love to see a second division up for the 2022–23 season".[12]

In late 2021, advocates for a national second-tier in Australia have been campaigning for the better part of two decades to introduce what is, at this point, a global footballing standard.[citation needed] The year 2022 may be an optimistic target, however with Football Australia CEO James Johnson pointing to the pandemic as a buffer to the NSD's unavoidable progression. The NSD would feature 12 foundation clubs with plans to expand up to 16 within the first four years.[13] Officials also aimed to avoid the American-based franchise system and expressed it would become more aligned to the European format, which included promotion and relegation.[14][15]

In February 2022, a report titled "A Genuine National Second Division of Football in Australia" was released.[16] AAFC believed it is time for a merit-based competition structure to be introduced as meritocracy is both the "Australian way" and occurs in most competitions around the world. The report has been funded by the Partner Clubs with financial analysis undertaken by MI Associates.[17] Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC) Chairman Nick Galatas commented that "all the pieces are there for a National Second Division competition for Australian football and the time to implement is now".[18]

In 2022, Football Australia was working towards March 2024 as its preferred start date,[19] with expressions of interest sought in February 2023.[20] At that point a "Champions League" format was proposed by Football Australia (and opposed by the AAFC[21]) where top teams would play in the national competition concurrently with their regional NPL league.[22]

In March 2023, the bidding phase concluded, with 32 teams having entered bids; a total of 26 teams were accepted to progress to a formal proposal by August 2023 and evaluation of bids by late November 2023. The first season was to commence in March or April 2025,[23] with teams playing a full home and away season.[24]

After the announcement of the eight inaugural teams, Football Australia announced the Second Division would feature ten or twelve teams, with a double round-robin format (18 or 22 matches) followed by a Finals Series towards the conclusion of the regular season.[25]

On 29 January 2024, Football Australia announced that the final selection process for the final clubs had begun with 24 undisclosed teams.[26] Football Australia confirmed on 31 October 2024 that the first season of the competition will begin in October 2025.[27][28]

On 12 February 2025, Football Australia revealed the competition would be named the "Australian Championship".[29]

On 21 July 2025, Football Australia has confirmed the completion of another milestone for the Australian Championship, with the conclusion of a third National Second Tier (NST) Request for Proposal (RFP) Application Process.[30]

## Competition format

[edit]

The inaugural edition of the competition will consist of 16 teams and run from October to December 2025. The 16 teams will include 8 "Foundation Clubs" and 8 National Premier Leagues clubs who will be invited based on results from their season.

In the group stage, teams will be divided into four groups of four. Groups will be played as a double round robin (six matches per team) with the top-two team in each group advancing. The knockout stage will consist of three rounds with single leg matchups.[28]

## Clubs

[edit]

### Foundation clubs

[edit]

It was announced in November 2023 that eight teams had been selected as foundation clubs for the inaugural Second Division.[25]

Wollongong Wolves

Sydney

Melbourne

Sydney clubs:
APIA Leichhardt
Marconi Stallions
Sydney Olympic
Sydney United 58

Melbourne clubs:
Avondale FC
Preston Lions
South Melbourne

class=notpageimage|

Locations of the Australian Championship clubs

Current clubs (2025 season)  Team  | City  | Stadium  | Capacity  | Founded  | Joined

|
|
|
|
|

APIA Leichhardt | Sydney  | Lambert Park / Leichhardt Oval | 7,000 / 20,000  | 1954  | 2023
Avondale FC | Melbourne  | Avenger Park  | 2,500  | 1984  | 2023
Marconi Stallions | Sydney  | Marconi Stadium | 9,000  | 1958  | 2023
Preston Lions | Melbourne  | B.T. Connor Reserve | 9,000  | 1947  | 2023
South Melbourne | Melbourne  | Lakeside Stadium | 12,000  | 1959  | 2023
Sydney Olympic | Sydney  | Jubilee Stadium[31] | 20,500  | 1957  | 2023
Sydney United 58 | Sydney  | Sydney United Sports Centre | 12,000  | 1958  | 2023
Wollongong Wolves | Wollongong  |  WIN Stadium | 22,000  | 1980  | 2023

### Other applicants

[edit]

Teams that passed the technical elements of the formal Request for Proposal process, after submitting expressions of interest to join were:

* Adelaide City FC
* Caroline Springs George Cross FC
* Gold Coast United FC[32]
* Gungahlin United FC[33]
* South Hobart FC[34]
* Sunshine Coast Fire[35]

Teams that are yet to pass the technical elements of the formal Request for Proposal process are:

* Heidelberg United FC[36]
* Melbourne Knights FC[37]
* Rockdale Ilinden FC[38]

### Former or withdrawn bids

[edit]

* Bentleigh Greens[32]
* Blacktown City[39]
* Brisbane City[40]
* Brisbane United merger[a]
* Brunswick Juventus[32]
* Canberra Croatia[42]
* Cockburn City[39]
* Football SA merger[b]
* Fraser Park FC[39]
* Gold Coast Knights[44]
* Green Gully SC[39]
* Olympic FC[45]
* Peninsula Power[46]
* Playford City Patriots[39]
* Sutherland Sharks[39]
* Valentine FC[39]

## Criticism

[edit]

The original reluctance to start the tournament by 2022 was met with criticism due to a lack of detail about how the competition would function.[47]

The processes of Football Australia were also criticised by teams that did not progress after the formal Expressions of Interest period, including Blacktown City FC and Peninsula Power FC.[48][49]

## See also

[edit]

* Australia portal
* soccer portal

* Australian soccer league system
* List of soccer clubs in Australia
* A-League Men
* A-League Women

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ The Brisbane United merger initially comprised the Brisbane Strikers, Virginia United and Wynnum Wolves teams.[41]
2. ^ The Football SA merger consisted of the Campbelltown City, North Eastern MetroStars and West Torrens Birkalla teams.[43]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Rugari, Vince (31 October 2024). "Football Australia will launch a national second division in 2025. Here's what you need to know". Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 12 February 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
2. ^ Snape, Jack (20 November 2023). "'A transformative step': Football Australia reveals eight national second division clubs". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 19 January 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
3. ^ "In a Nutshell". The Championship. Archived from the original on 11 January 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
4. ^ "A-League expansion, promotion and relegation, Northern Fury FC chairman Rabieh Krayem puts forward proposal". 19 October 2016.
5. ^ "History". Association Of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC).
6. ^ "Timeline". The Championship. Archived from the original on 11 January 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
7. ^ "AAFC '100% confident' of second division by 2020". FTBL.
8. ^ Dale Lewis (3 June 2016). "FFA backs second division as clubs chase pathway to main stage". SBS The World Game. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
9. ^ AAFC (15 September 2020). "Partner Group expands to 35". AAFC. Archived from the original on 24 October 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
10. ^ "XI Principles For The Future of Australian Football | Football Australia". www.footballaustralia.com.au. 2 July 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
11. ^ AAFC (15 January 2021). "National Second Division (NSD) Competition Is Affordable and Feasible". AAFC. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
12. ^ Joey Lynch (30 July 2021). "Football Australia adds national second tier to football pyramid in calendar restructure". ESPN. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
13. ^ Bill Hedley (6 December 2021). "Why the A-Leagues need promotion and relegation". thefootballsack.com.au. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
14. ^ "'Final model': Major A-League second division meeting set for June". FTBL. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
15. ^ "FA adds second tier to Australia's football pyramid". ESPN. 29 July 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
16. ^ Murray, Tara (23 February 2022). "Single national second tier competition proposed". Star Weekly. Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
17. ^ AAFC (22 February 2022). "a Genuine National Second Division of Football in Australia, Final Report of the NSD Partner Group of Clubs" (PDF). AAFC. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
18. ^ Charles Goodsir (9 March 2022). "FOOTBALL CLUBS ARE "READY TO GO" FOR NATIONAL SECOND DIVISION". sen.com.au. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
19. ^ Joey Lynch (23 November 2022). "James Johnson confirms March 2024 as 'target date' for national second division". ESPN. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
20. ^ Football Australia (3 February 2023). "Football Australia opens expressions of interest for National Second Tier Men's Competition". www.footballaustralia.com.au. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
21. ^ "NPL 'Champions League' format likely to be initial second division structure". The Roar. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
22. ^ Chalk, Ethan Lee (20 November 2023). "Football Australia aiming to introduce 'Champions League' format for 2024 NPL season". The Inner Sanctum. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
23. ^ "National Second Tier application process advances to final phase | Football Australia". www.footballaustralia.com.au. 6 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
24. ^ "Football Australia moves into Request for Proposal phase of the National Second Tier process". Football Australia. 21 June 2023.
25. ^ a b "Football Australia announces foundation clubs for National Second Tier". Football Australia. 20 November 2023.
26. ^ "Football Australia commences process for selection of additional National Second Tier clubs | Football Australia". www.footballaustralia.com.au. 29 January 2024. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
27. ^ "'Landmark moment': FA firm up key details as National Second Tier set to begin in 2025". www.theroar.com.au. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
28. ^ a b "Football Australia unveils new format and start date for National Second Tier competition". www.footballaustralia.com.au. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
29. ^ Lynch, Joey (12 February 2025). "Everything you need to know about the Australian Championship". ESPN. Archived from the original on 12 February 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
30. ^ "Football Australia announces outcome of third RFP for the National Second Tier | Football Australia". www.australianchampionship.com.au. 21 July 2025. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
31. ^ Facebook. 8 May 2025 https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1512307939982546&set=a.782126533000694. `{{cite web}}`: Missing or empty `|title=` (help)
32. ^ a b c @AAFClubs (3 March 2023). "NEW NATIONAL SECOND TIER EXPRESSION OF INTERESTS ARE IN!" (Tweet) - via Twitter.
33. ^ "GUFC on Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
34. ^ "South Hobart FC is pleased to announce that we have submitted our expression of interest in joining the National Second Tier today". Facebook. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
35. ^ "Sunshine Coast FC Fire can confirm that we have uploaded all of our material to the 'Data Room' as part of the RFP process to Football Australia for the next phase of the National Second Tier". Facebook. Sunshine Coast Fire.
36. ^ "Heidelberg United FC address reasons for not proceeding in National Second Tier competition". neoskosmos.com. 24 November 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
37. ^ "Knights eye National Second Tier after $2m Stadium investment". www.melbourneknights.com.au. February 2025. Retrieved 1 February 2025.
38. ^ Rockdale Ilinden FC [@RockdaleIlinden] (23 February 2023). "NATIONAL SECOND TIER CONFIRMING that we have submitted our EOI and are now working through our detailed application. #ilinden #iamredandblack https://t.co/FAJvWhwqWG" (Tweet). Retrieved 23 February 2023 - via Twitter.
39. ^ a b c d e f g @joeylynchy (6 March 2023). "@FootballAUS has revealed the parties that lodged EOIs for a new National Second Tier. 32 total EOIs were lodged" (Tweet) - via Twitter.
40. ^ "Brisbane City Football Club on Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
41. ^ "Brisbane United submits NST EOI to Football Australia". Brisbane United FC. 3 March 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
42. ^ "Canberra Croatia Football Club on Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
43. ^ Bourke, Malcolm (22 November 2023). "A 12 team NST? Why Australian football needs to trust the process, and what four more teams could look like". The Roar. Archived from the original on 1 March 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
44. ^ Gold Coast Knights FC [@gcknightsfc] (20 February 2023). "Gold Coast Knights wishes to confirm that the club has submitted an Expression of Interest for Football Australia's National Second Division. The club will provide further updates as the application process progresses. https://t.co/ZLHjOTruOP" (Tweet). Retrieved 23 February 2023 - via Twitter.
45. ^ Olympic FC [@Olympic_FC] (21 February 2023). "Olympic FC is pleased to announce that the club has tendered an Expression of Interest in joining the new National Second Division. As this will be an ongoing process we will endeavour to keep club members informed of the progress of our application. https://t.co/lrqkyJeoZ5" (Tweet). Retrieved 23 February 2023 - via Twitter.
46. ^ "Peninsula Power FC on Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
47. ^ "Quit stalling – it's time to start a National Second Division".
48. ^ Tilt, Fergus (11 May 2023). "OFFICIAL BOARD STATEMENT". Blacktown City FC. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
49. ^ "Peninsula Power FC Club Statement Re NSD EOI". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 26 May 2023.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
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* Association of Australian Football Clubs Official website
* Association of Australian Football Clubs on Facebook

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