FA announce the 32 clubs that have expressed interest in National Second Tier

Football Australia have announced the 32 clubs who have submitted Expressions of Interest in being part of a National Second Tier.

Earlier this year, Football Australia (FA) announced the formal commencement of the process to create a National Second Tier (NST), with invested parties wishing to be part of it being invited to respond to an EOI.

The EOI phase closed last Friday, in what is set to be the first in a multistage process, with FA announcing the full list of clubs that submitted an Expression of Interest before the deadline at 5 PM last Friday.

Among the submissions are National Soccer League (NSL) powerhouses South Melbourne, Heidelberg United, Sydney United 58, Marconi Stallions, Adelaide City and Melbourne Knights.

While there’s also a host of combined bids, including a submission from Football South Australia, which has been lodged on behalf of the entire SA community. NPL sides Campbelltown City, North Eastern MetroStars, West Torrens Birkalla and West Adelaide are reportedly keen to participate.

While in Queensland, the Brisbane United EOI is borne from a combined bid from Wynnum Wolves, Brisbane Strikers and Virginia United, and in Western Australia, there’s a combined submission from Spearwood Dalmatinac and Cockburn City as the sole EOI from the west.

Football Australia has today confirmed the closure of the EOI process for its National Second Tier Men's competition, with 32 clubs from across the country submitting their expressions of interest to take part in the new competition.https://t.co/AYu8D21Sv1
— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) March 6, 2023

“We underwent a lengthy consultation process last year so we knew there would be great interest and we are thrilled with the level of interest shown in the EOI phase and the calibre of clubs which have expressed their interest,” FA CEO James Johnson said.

“It is also pleasing to see that we have received submissions from right across Australia, demonstrating that our football clubs have a deep desire and aspiration to compete at a national level. The National Second Tier provides the perfect platform for them to do so.

“Australian football has undergone a journey of transformation over the last two years, and the establishment of a national second tier which reconnects and realigns Australian football competitions is an important element of Football Australia’s 15-year vision for the game.

The receipt of EOI submissions is another crucial step in bringing our vision for the game to life.

The Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC) initially released a statement on Friday evening, including the names of 23 member clubs who had submitted an EOI by the deadline – with FA announcing an additional nine on Monday.

FA will now be able to assess a number of key parameters going forward, including an assessment of the level of interest, and whether they need to refine their strategy, vision, competition format, operation, and administration of the NST.

The NST is expected to begin in March 2024 and will have between 10 to 16 teams, with a home and away league structure and finals – featuring from somewhere between 24 to 36 games.

However, according to FA, the possibility still remains for a ‘group based’ competition model or known as the ‘Champions League model’ that will utilise the NPL to determine its makeup.

The next step is the issuing of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to shortlisted parties, which will approximately take place between April and June.