With the National Second Tier anticipated to begin in March 2024, the launch of the proposed competition has moved another step closer with Football Australia (FA) moving into the Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
There are 26 shortlisted clubs, who are involved in the next step as they engage in a comprehensive evaluation process after six clubs were unsuccessful in their bid to progress to the next phase in May.
NST hopefuls will confirm their intent to submit a proposal and have until the start of August to finalise submissions, which will signal the end of the RFP phase as the Assessment and Review Phase begins in August. The Completion Phase is scheduled for the following month.
As stated in May’s update, the NTS is scheduled to get underway in March next year, with 10-16 teams. That remains the aim for FA, which is eyeing a home-and-away league structure plus finals with a ‘group based’ model mirroring the National Premier Leagues being considered.
“The progression of the 26 shortlisted clubs to the RFP phase brings us another step closer to the realisation of our vision for this competition and an aligned football pyramid,” said FA CEO James Johnson.
“We are excited about the continuing evolution of the National Second Tier from concept to competition and creating new opportunities for sustainable growth and development.”
The remaining phases of the application process will be confidential as FA appoints accounting and advisory experts, BDO, as an independent third party to assist.
The 26 clubs still vying for a spot in the NST:
ACT
- Canberra Croatia
- Gungahlin United
NEW SOUTH WALES
- APIA Leichhardt
- Fraser Park
- Marconi Stallions
- Rockdale Ilinden
- Sutherland Sharks/Cronulla Sharks
- Sydney Olympic
- Sydney United 58
- Wollongong Wolves
QUEENSLAND
- Brisbane City
- Brisbane United (Wynnum Wolves, Brisbane Strikers, Virginia United)
- Gold Coast Knights
- Gold Coast United
- Olympic FC
- Sunshine Coast Fire
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
- Adelaide City
- Football South Australia bid (Campbelltown City, North East MetroStars, West Torrens Birkalla)
TASMANIA
- South Hobart
VICTORIA
- Avondale FC
- Brunswick Juventus
- Green Gully
- Heidelberg United
- Melbourne Knights
- Preston Lions
- South Melbourne
