Football Australia CEO James Johnson: “The receipt of EOI submissions is another crucial step in bringing our vision for the game to life”

Staff Writer
Sydney Olympic
Image credit: Chris Paraskevas

Football Australia has officially closed the Invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the National Second Tier Men’s competition.

In a positive and strong response, 32 Australian football clubs from across the country submitted their expressions of interest to take part in the new competition – by the Friday, March 3 deadline.

The EOI process was launched by Football Australia in February 2023 to assess the level of interest and refine the strategy, vision, competition format, operation, and administration for a new national tier of football between the A-League Men competition and the National Premier Leagues.

Expected to commence in March 2024, the National Second Tier will be contested between 10 and 16 teams, with a home and away league structure and finals, featuring 24 to 36 games.

For Football Australia, there are still thoughts of including a phased ‘group based’ competition model that will utilise the National Premier Leagues competition to decide the make-up of the competition format (the ‘Champions League’ model).

Following the evaluation of the EOI responses, the next phase will be the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase, which is expected to run from April to June 2023. During this phase, only shortlisted parties from the EOI phase will be invited to submit detailed proposals, with more information provided through detailed Bid Documents.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson shared his pleasure for the finalised EOI stage.

“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,” Johnson said in a statement.

“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 confirmed clubs by each state is listed below:

State / Territory (in alphabetical order) Clubs (in alphabetical order)
Australian Capital Territory

 

 1.      Canberra Croatia FC

2.      Gungahlin United FC
New South Wales

 

 3.      APIA Leichhardt FC

4.      Blacktown City FC

5.      Fraser Park FC*

6.      Marconi Stallions FC

7.      Rockdale Ilinden FC

8.      Sutherland Sharks FC/Cronulla Sharks

9.      Sydney Olympic FC

10.   Sydney United 58 FC

11.   Wollongong Wolves FC
Northern New South Wales 12.   Valentine FC
Queensland

 

 13.   Brisbane City FC

14.   Brisbane United FC (Wynnum Wolves FC, Brisbane Strikers FC, Virginia United FC)

15.   Gold Coast Knights FC

16.   Gold Coast United FC

17.   Olympic FC

18.   Peninsula Power FC

19.   Sunshine Coast FC Fire
South Australia

 

 20.   Adelaide City FC

21.   Football SA (Campbelltown City SC, North Eastern MetroStars, West Torrens Birkalla SC)

22.   Playford City Soccer and Community Club
Tasmania 23.   South Hobart FC
Victoria

 

 24.   Avondale FC

25.   Bentleigh Greens SC

26.   Brunswick Juventus FC

27.   Green Gully SC

28.   Heidelberg United FC

29.   Melbourne Knights FC

30.   Preston Lions FC

31.   South Melbourne FC
Western Australia 32.   Spearwood Dalmatinac / Cockburn City SC*

* Subject to the submission fee payment being confirmed.

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Chelsea FC Partners with Ticketmaster on Digital Ticketing Strategy

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Image Credit: Chelsea FC website

Chelsea FC has secured a multi-year partnership with Ticketmaster, appointing the global ticketing company as its Official Ticketing Partner.

This agreement marks a significant operational shift, with Chelsea set to introduce a digital-first ticketing system for the 2025/26 season, designed to simplify access, enhance security, and combat ticket resale fraud.

This collaboration marks a significant upgrade to Chelsea’s matchday operations, aligning the club with world-class ticketing infrastructure already used by leading sports venues globally.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, digital tickets will replace physical tickets for all fixtures at Stamford Bridge, providing fans with a more efficient and secure access system. This move also aims to tackle ticket touting, a persistent issue in top-tier football, by leveraging Ticketmaster’s secure and traceable digital delivery platform.

Teaming up will grant Chelsea access to Ticketmaster’s suite of tools, including:

  • Seamless mobile ticket delivery
  • Anti-touting features
  • Scalable event ticketing for high-demand matches
  • Real-time ticket validation and fan data insights

Chelsea FC’s Chief Revenue Officer, Casper Stylsvig, reflected on the importance of the club’s new partnership with Ticketmaster.

“Partnering with a leading force in the industry brings significant value to our operations, ensuring we offer our fans a smoother, safer experience with best-in-class products, while continuing to address the issue of ticket touts,” he said via press release.

As one of the most recognised football brands globally, Chelsea’s shift to Ticketmaster’s platform underscores the club’s commitment to modernising fan engagement and match day experiences.

Managing Director at Ticketmaster Sport, Chris Gratton, shared his enthusiasm about the new partnership with Chelsea FC.

“Chelsea FC is one of the biggest clubs in football, and we’re excited to be part of their journey. Our goal is to make ticketing as simple as possible for fans,” he said via press release.

This move reflects a wider trend in the industry towards contactless, mobile-first stadium entry, which has become increasingly common in Premier League and UEFA competitions, especially after the accelerated adoption of digital solutions during the COVID era.

The alliance between Chelsea FC and Ticketmaster signals a new era for the club, introducing leading technology and expertise to elevate the match day experience for fans.

New initiatives advancing girls’ and women’s football participation

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Image credit: Adelaide United FC

A Government program designed to increase female participation in sports will provide almost 50 clubs and organisations with support to upgrade and develop sporting facilities, programs and equipment.

Around $5.4 million has been allocated for the 2024-25 round of The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP), which aims to create more inclusive spaces for girls and women in sports.

The funded projects include things like unisex clubrooms, better lighting and playing surfaces, new uniforms and equipment, and opportunities for professional development.

The South Australian Government led by Peter Malinauskas launched the program to build on the success of the Matildas and the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

To support the growth of girls’ and women’s football, 14 football clubs will receive nearly $2.4 million in funding this round.

Other sports also benefit from the program, such as basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, gymnastics, and Australian Rules Football, providing more chances for girls and women to get involved and succeed in their chosen sports.

For example, Norwood Basketball Club is receiving $14,600 to launch their ‘Rising Flames’ program, helping girls progress to elite senior levels and develop local talent.

Other projects funded through the program include:

  • Metro United Women’s Football Club, Pooraka: $25,000 for new uniforms.
  • Booleroo Centre Tennis Club: $80,000 to resurface three tennis courts, replace fencing, and build a new equipment shed for their drought-affected club.
  • Cove Netball Hub: $392,700 to build four new netball courts in Hallett Cove.
  • Elizabeth Grove Soccer Club: $750,000 (through the council) for a new clubroom, synthetic soccer pitch, and multi-purpose oval at Munno Para Regional Sportsground, Davoren Park.

So far, over $7.6 million has been distributed through the IPP, with the second year providing more than twice the amount of support compared to the first round.

Nearly half of the infrastructure project recipients this round – including Jervois Bluds Netball Club and Murraylands Gymnastics Academy – are located in regional and greater metropolitan areas, showing the broad impact on communities across South Australia.

The State Government has committed $18 million to the IPP over three years, with $10 million specifically set aside for football.

This effort is part of a wider push to eliminate barriers to female participation, including support for clubs with period products and menstrual health training.

South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily MLC Bourke highlighted the importance of supporting women in sport at a grassroots level.

“Our Government recognises the importance of supporting grassroots sports to ensure girls and women have opportunities to thrive in whichever sport they pursue,” she said in a press release.

“Having the right facilities, programs and equipment in place gives girls and women the space and confidence they need to get involved and stay active with their local club.

“As The Power of Her investment continues to grow, it’s inspiring to see clubs and organisations finding new and creative ways to grow female participation and facilitate high performance pathways in their communities.”

For more information, you can find the full list of 2024-2025 IPP grants here.

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