Australian clubs begin second phase of selection process for National Second Tier

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Image credit: Football Australia/Brett Costello

24 clubs will participate in the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase of the National Second Tier (NST) selection process, as Football Australia edges closer to an official start date for the competition.

Only two or four clubs will join the eight foundation clubs for the inaugural competition, which is planned to start in March/April 2025.

Within their submission, clubs will need to demonstrate their operational and commercial readiness, alignment with strategic objectives, and a commitment to developing talent and engaging communities.

To assess clubs’ financial readiness, Football Australia has again sought the services of Australian financial services firm, BDO, to deliver analysis that will be crucial to the sustainability of the NST and its member clubs.

Clubs must submit their RFP by mid-April for assessment. The ‘Completion Phase’, where potential clubs will learn their fate, has been set for June 2024.

Speaking via press release, Football Australia CEO James Johnson believes the refined second phase represents a great opportunity for Australian football clubs.

“The RFP phase is a cornerstone in our journey towards a more dynamic and competitive National Second Tier as we look for clubs which will elevate the game, contribute to their communities, and embody the spirit of inclusivity and excellence,” Johnson said.

Football Australia is yet to decide on the format for the inaugural competition, which will be affected by whether it chooses two or four teams from the RFP phase. The two proposed formats are:

  • A 10-team competition with two rounds plus a Finals Series, totalling 18 regular season matches.
  • A 12-team competition with two rounds plus a Finals Series, totalling 22 regular season matches.

Last November, eight clubs from New South Wales and Victoria were successful in the first phase of the NST selection phase. These clubs include:

New South Wales

  • APIA Leichhardt FC
  • Marconi Stallions FC
  • Sydney Olympic FC
  • Sydney United 58 FC
  • Wollongong Wolves FC

Victoria

  • Avondale FC
  • Preston Lions FC
  • South Melbourne FC

Clubs from states outside New South Wales and Victoria will be hopeful of their inclusion to make the second tier truly national, but as CEO Johnson eludes, the selection process will not be sentimental.

“Our goal is clear: to identify clubs that align with our strategic objectives and are ready to rise to the occasion. The clubs that join us in this journey will play a crucial role in enriching the tapestry of Australian football,” Johnson added via media release.

The NST represents an exciting opportunity for Australian football to evolve on an unprecedented scale. Football fans should be reassured by Football Australia’s commitment to delivering a careful and considered selection process that ensures the safety of Australia’s most significant football institutions.

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Glasgow City FC and ALT Champion Sustainable Women’s Football

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Image credit: Insta_Photos / Shutterstock.com

Glasgow City FC has confirmed a new deal, which the club believes could serve as a model for funding a sustainable future for women’s football.

Glasgow City FC introduced the City Collective at the start of the 2025/26 season, a sponsorship model for female-led, purpose-driven businesses and cultural organisations that reflect the club’s values, fostering a network of mutual benefit.

The City Collective has now secured title sponsorship from ALT, a Glasgow-based creative campaigns agency led by co-founder Laura Haggerty.

At its heart, ALT specialises in strategic use of media and digital channels, and they build on this expertise by working with a collective of external experts, the ALT Collective, which includes specialists in brand design, PR, web development, and insight.

Glasgow City FC Head of Commercial Stef McLoughlin, expressed the values that guide the club and its community.

“‘Well behaved women seldom make history’ is an ethos we carry into everything we do. In the words of our co-founder, Laura Montgomery, it honours the many women who have defied expectations to make change and speaks to our players, our supporters and our community who continue to do the same,” she said via press release.

“Laura and ALT are the types of individuals and businesses we dreamed of attracting to the City Collective, and we’re thrilled they’ve seen the potential to partner with us in such a meaningful way.”

Founded in 2018, ALT is a creative campaigns agency that has quickly established a strong presence in women’s sport and beyond, delivering marketing campaigns for national and club-level women’s competitions, as well as the World Boxing Championships, which this September featured men’s and women’s bouts on equal footing.

ALT Co-founder Laura Haggerty, reflected on the shared vision between the agency and the club.

“When I heard about the club’s desire to combine Glasgow’s female business, cultural and sports leaders under one network, I knew instantly we shared values. I am convinced the City Collective can mature, not only being of great mutual benefit to the club and its supporters, but become a brilliant template for all women’s football teams to follow that will help galvanise and grow its support base and advocates,” she said via press release.

“I’m so proud ALT will be working in partnership with the club to improve its standing in the city, and create lasting, tangible opportunities for powerful women to connect with each other across the city.”

This alliance sets a new benchmark for women’s football, promoting both sustainability and growth by creating lasting opportunities, strengthening community engagement, and providing a model for other clubs to follow.

Macarthur Bulls Strengthen Ties with Better Life Mobile

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Image credit: Macarthur Bulls FC

Macarthur Bulls FC has confirmed that Better Life Mobile will join the club as a major supporter for the current season.
This new alliance brings together two organisations dedicated to value, community involvement and inclusion, with Better Life Mobile set to feature on the sleeve of the Bulls’ 2025/26 jersey.

Better Life Mobile is Australia’s “fair mobile phone company,” operating as a certified social enterprise through Social Traders and earning global recognition for its innovative efforts to keep vulnerable communities connected.

Its social impact has been acknowledged internationally, with the company receiving the Most Impactful MVNO award at the MVNO Nation Awards in Spain for both 2024 and 2025 ceremonies, highlighting its leadership and commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence.

Better Life Mobile began when its founders, Russel and Adrian, set out to help people experiencing homelessness access affordable mobile service, a need they saw was being ignored. Since then, the mission hasn’t changed: to make mobile phone use more equitable and affordable for everyone.

Through its connection with Macarthur Bulls, Better Life Mobile will offer members, fans, and club staff access to its prepaid mobile and internet services delivering strong coverage, flexible plans, and competitive pricing, while supporting the club’s commitment to affordability and community accessibility.

Better Life Mobile CEO Ante Zizic, shared his enthusiasm for the new collaboration.

“Partnering with Macarthur Bulls is a perfect match for Better Life Mobile. We believe strongly that access to affordable, transparent mobile and internet services is a key enabler for community participation and connectivity. By working together with the Bulls, we can offer supporters and members a real alternative in telecommunications – one without hidden fees, one that supports inclusion, and one that gives value. We’re excited to play our part in the club’s success and its connection with the local community,” he said via press release.

Macarthur Bulls FC Chief Commercial Officer Mark Jensen, reflected on the significance of the new collaboration for both the club and its community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Better Life Mobile as a major partner of the Macarthur Bulls,” he said via press release.

“This partnership strengthens our commitment to making our club accessible, community-focused and future-facing. With Better Life Mobile’s flexible and fair prepaid mobile and internet solutions, our supporters, players and volunteers will benefit, and the club’s reach and digital engagement will be enhanced. We look forward to a successful and dynamic collaboration.”

Better Life Mobile seeks to give back to the community through a range of social initiatives, providing mobile phones with free credit to those most in need. Its annual “Santa Calls” campaign supplies community organisations and welfare agencies across Australia with free phones and call credit.

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