Football Australia has taken a significant step toward establishing a national second tier, unveiling eight foundation teams for the National Second Division (NSD), a move long anticipated for the growth of football in the country. According to Football Australia, the selection of these initial clubs was based on their robust proposals and readiness to meet the competition's standards.
"Establishing the National Second Tier is a transformative step for Australian football, aligning perfectly with our 15-year strategic vision outlined in the XI Principles," commented FA CEO James Johnson. "It symbolizes our commitment to reconnecting the football pyramid and enhancing the competitiveness of our national game."
The chosen foundation clubs are:
APIA Leichhardt FC
Avondale FC
Marconi Stallions FC
Preston Lions FC
South Melbourne FC
Sydney Olympic FC
Sydney United 58 FC
Wollongong Wolves FC
An additional two to four clubs will be selected in early 2024, with the second tier ultimately featuring 10 or 12 teams.
The inaugural National Second Division competition will kick off in March or April of 2025. The format is still under consideration, with two potential structures depending on the number of teams:
A 10-team competition featuring two rounds and a finals series, totalling 18 regular season matches.
A 12-team competition featuring two rounds and a finals series, totalling 22 regular season matches.
Once the National Second Division (NSD) is established and has reached a certain level of maturity, a promotion-relegation system involving the A-League Men competition is expected to be implemented.
"This is more than just a competition; it's a cornerstone in our mission to fortify the foundations of our sport," emphasized Johnson. "The National Second Tier will be instrumental in nurturing talent, engaging communities, and elevating the overall quality of football nationwide."
South Melbourne FC
Association Football Club in Victoria, Australia
South Melbourne Football Club is an Australian semi-professional soccer club based in the suburb of Albert Park in Melbourne, Victoria. The club currently competes in the National Premier Leagues Victoria, with matches played at Lakeside Stadium. The club was founded in 1959 by Greek migrants following World War II as South Melbourne Hellas, with a basis in the Greek community.
Sydney Olympic FC
Association football club
Sydney Olympic Football Club is an Australian semi-professional soccer club based in Belmore, Sydney, New South Wales, that plays in the National Premier Leagues NSW. The Club was founded as the Pan-Hellenic Soccer Club in 1957 by Greek immigrants.
