Football Australia has officially confirmed the launch of the National Second Tier (NST) competition in a new format as it prepares for kick-off in October 2025.
Australia’s governing football body released an official announcement today (Thursday 31 October) unveiling a new competition structure that is a knockout tournament structure as opposed to the previous round robin league model suggested.
The new format will see 16 teams compete in a group stage before engaging in an elimination Finals Series.
The announcement comes off the back of a series of workshops and consultation sessions with the eight NST Foundation Clubs, including South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic, all of whom will automatically qualify for the NST.
They will be joined by eight invitational clubs comprised of the Member Federation NPL State Premiers from the respective domestic season (excluding Northern Territory).
Football Australia explained the new structure has been designed to ensure the competition model is sustainable while maintaining a high degree of competitive integrity and commercial appeal.
The NST competition will be held annually between October and December, initially across nine matchday rounds, and concluding with a Championship Final in early December.
The spring calendar window provides the agility to expand and align within the Domestic Match Calendar ensuring optimal fixturing for players, fans, and stakeholders.
Crucially, the timeline ensures that the NST will not clash with the NPL or the Australia Cup.
Football Australia confirmed the competition’s name, brand identity, marketing collateral, and the new trophy design will be unveiled in the coming months as they prepare to set the stage for the competition’s debut season next year.
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, said he considers the introduction of the NST “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,” Johnson said.
“The National Second Tier will provide a new platform for iconic clubs to showcase their talent and connect with fans nationwide.”
Sydney Olympic expressed their excitement over the development in a Facebook post, saying:
“As a NST Foundation Club, we’re proud to be part of this journey, which will bring our game to new heights and connect us with fans across the nation. Stay tuned as we prepare to make history together!”Football Australia expressed in their announcement that they have identified 14 clubs representing six states and territories that have each passed the technical elements of the NST Request For Proposal (RFP) processes that have been undertaken over the past 12 months.
The organisation noted that 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 2024, though they will continue to monitor these clubs as they seek to advance their bid proposals.
Football Australia has also committed to a third NST RFP selection process, expanded to target clubs outside of the initial Expression of Interest process and predominantly from underrepresented states.
The game’s governing body in Australia is hopeful this enhanced national focus will identify additional foundation clubs.
The six additional clubs that have passed the technical elements of the NST RFP process include: Adelaide City FC, Caroline Springs-George Cross FC, Gold Coast United FC, Gungahlin United FC, South Hobart FC, and Sunshine Coast FC.
The announcement noted it remains a key strategic objective to establish a standalone NST home & away league competition as soon as the minimum threshold is secured.
Further updates will be provided as the NST continues to evolve.