Football Australia has formally commenced its process to create a National Second Tier Men’s competition currently earmarked to kick off in March 2024.

Interested parties wishing to participate in the yet to be named, National Second Tier, are called to respond to an Invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI).

The EOI process will provide Football Australia with relevant information to assess the level of interest, and to refine the strategy, vision, competition format, operation, and administration of the National Second Tier.

The process is designed for Australian football clubs with a deep connection and demonstrated history in Australian football to participate in a tier of football that is anticipated to comprise of an individual league in a ‘home and away’ structure. The proposed competition parameters include a new national tier of football between the A-League Men competition and the National Premier Leagues, with the opportunity for promotion and relegation to be considered once mature as well as a home and away league structure with finals, comprised of between 10 and 16 teams and featuring between 24 to 36 games.

Successful Respondents to the Application Process would be required to depart their existing football competitions for the National Second Tier. National Second Tier Clubs will enter into a Club Participation Agreement setting out the terms of participation, including but not limited to professional playing contracts for all players, with salaries paid 52 weeks of the year; ‘off field’ operations run by employed staff throughout 12 months of the year; investment in and operation of a full talent development pathway within their club structure; and access to a suitable high-quality match day facility 12 months of the year.

Should the level of interest not validate the required number of Clubs with the capability to formulate an independent tier of competition, the option remains for Football Australia to institute a phased ‘group based’ competition model that will utilise the National Premier Leagues competition to determine the make-up of this format of competition (the ‘Champions League’ model).

At the conclusion of the EOI stage of the process, Football Australia intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to shortlisted parties inviting the submission of detailed proposals. Additional information through detailed Bid Documents will be provided to shortlisted parties during the RFP phase to assist with their formal detailed proposal.

This information during the RFP phase may include, an information memorandum, NST related data, including financial forecasts and benchmarking, key terms of a Club Participation Agreement, and draft transaction documents.

The following subsequent phases are envisaged:

Phase 2 – Request for Proposal (April – June indicative), Phase 3 – Assessment and Recommendation (June – August indicative), Phase 4 – Completion (August – September indicative). Further information on these remaining phases will be outlined at a future date.

There will be an interactive process to assist both shortlisted bidders and Football Australia to aid the development of high quality, well considered proposals and further refining the overall vision of the NST. This structured process will occur following the release of the RFP.

The call for EOI phase requires respondents to address their vision for the NST and the club, including the ability to be sustainable, progressive, engaging to the community, and contribute positively to the growth of Australian football and player pathways; an understanding of the football landscape in Australia, including its opportunities and challenges; a strong vision for game day presentation including community engagement and venue experience; the attitudes, ethics, and mindset to underpin a successful long-term collaborative relationship with football stakeholders.

Another important parameter is the extent to which the Respondent demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of football in Australia and in the Territory, including clubs and players, national team representation and any participation or connection with that history and culture. Applicants will also be required to provide information on the existing or proposed governance framework and entity structure and its suitability for the vision of the NST. Existing financial strength or demonstration of the ability to raise finance sufficient to acquire the right to participate in the NST and ensure the sustainable participation that contributes to the growth of the NST will also be required including the capability and experience to operate a professional football club.

More information and links to respond to the Expression of Interest invitation can be found at www.footballaustralia.com.au/nst-application-process