Ninja A-League clubs Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory have confirmed their intention to field women’s teams in both senior and Under-20 NPLW Victoria competitions from 2026, following an internal review of the Football Victoria (FV) Academy Girls’ program.
From 2026 onwards, the FV Academy Girls’ program will switch its focus to supporting players up to the age of 15, before transitioning out of the FV Academy and into club programs from 16 onwards.
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With FV no longer fielding teams in the Under-20 and senior NPLW Victoria competitions, Ninja A-League clubs City and Victory are expected to receive licenses to replace the FC Academy.
Fellow Ninja A-League club Western United have also expressed interest, with the club’s involvement set to be determined in the coming weeks.
Melbourne Victory Managing Director Caroline Carnegie described the move as “an incredible step forward for Melbourne Victory and our Women’s Academy.”
“Obtaining an NPLW and U20 license is an important part of achieving our goals for our wider Academy and pathway programs as we continue to work hard to lead, unite, connect and inspire through football,” Carnegie added.
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“The performance and pathway benefits of keeping players in elite and consistent environments for longer is both clear and well documented, and we are thrilled that Melbourne Victory will now be able to realise these benefits as a Club, and for our playing group.
“We expect the senior teams to integrate seamlessly within our existing programs, which will create exciting new opportunities for women and girls, and of course, the professional game in this State.
“The NPLW competition is a quality competition with an incredibly competitive standard of football. I have no doubt that it will be a wonderful moment when our new squads take to the pitch for the first time.”
For Melbourne City, signalling the intent to field teams in NPLW and Under-20 competitions will mark the launch of the club’s first-ever Women’s Academy pathway.
Melbourne City FC CEO Brad Rowse said: “This is a historic moment for our Club and one we are incredibly proud of. Since day one, Melbourne City has been committed to raising the bar for women’s football in Australia, and the launch of a Women’s Academy is the next step in that journey.
“By creating a clear pathway from grassroots to elite, we can now provide young female players with the same opportunities their male counterparts have enjoyed for years. This is about investing in the future of the women’s game, and we’re excited to help nurture the next generation of City stars.”
FV Interim CEO Dan Birrell added: “We understand this news will be disappointing for the impacted players who have proudly called the FV Academy home.
“But while this chapter is closing, a new one is beginning, allowing us to work together with A-League and NPLW clubs to create greater and additional opportunities for more Victorian players to grow, compete and excel at the highest level.”
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