The commencement of a second tier national soccer league in Australia is getting closer with Football Australia announcing they have concluded Phase 3, the Assessment and Review Phase, in the evolution of the National Second Tier (NST).
This phase was dedicated to selecting the most viable and progressive proposals to carry into the future of Australian football.
NST will sit below the A-League and above the National Premier Leagues, with hope this will eventually allow promotion and relegation.
In doing so, football in Australia will see the teams outside the A-League, aspire to more, and break the barrier currently in between the top league and the rest of the clubs nationwide.
Football Australia are now in Phase 4, the Completion Phase, and are working in partnership with selected clubs to finalise the essential participation documentation and other necessary requirements for the impending competition.
Four of these selected clubs are Greek based – Heidelberg United, South Melbourne, Sydney Olympic and Olympic FC – all hopeful they can make final selection to participate.
Football Australia have also revised the competition’s commencement to March/April 2025.
This updated schedule will not only facilitate the finalisation of the competition structure but also grants all stakeholders sufficient time to finalise all logistical, regulatory, and operational aspects to guarantee a successful inauguration of the competition. Furthermore, this adjustment provides clarity for the Member Federations regarding their competition structures in 2024.
Upon the conclusion of the fourth phase, Football Australia will announce who will participate in the inaugural season of the NST, later this month on Monday, November 20, as well as providing additional information regarding next steps which are essential for the commencement of the NST.
