Football Australia confirms clubs in Request for Proposal phase of the National Second Tier

Staff Writer
Images credit: Football NSW & Football Australia

Football Australia has formally announced 26 clubs that have successfully proceeded to the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase of the National Second Tier (NST) competition.

After careful consideration, these clubs have met the specific criteria from the initial Invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) phase.

The EOI phase saw a total of 32 clubs from across Australia express their desire for the NST competition.

During the next stage in RFP, there will be a distribution of comprehensive Bid Documents to the shortlisted clubs, including an information memorandum, NST related data, financial forecasts, key terms of a Club Participation Agreement, and draft transaction documents.

This phase will be conducted confidentially, running from May to July 2023. It will be followed by an assessment and recommendation phase (July to August 2023) and is anticipated to be completed by September to October 2023.

The NST competition is part of Football Australia’s 15-year strategy for the sport, which is aimed at realigning Australian football competitions.

The full list of 26 shortlisted clubs for the RFP phase are broken down into each state, as per the following:

State / Territory (in alphabetical order) Club (in alphabetical order)
Australian Capital Territory
  1. Canberra Croatia FC
  2. Gungahlin United FC
NSW
  1. APIA Leichhardt FC
  2. Fraser Park FC
  3. Marconi Stallions FC
  4. Rockdale Ilinden FC
  5. Sydney Olympic FC
  6. Sydney United 58 FC
  7. Sutherland Sharks FC / Cronulla Sharks
  8. Wollongong Wolves FC
Queensland

 
  1. Brisbane City FC
  2. Brisbane United FC (Wynnum Wolves FC, Brisbane Strikers FC, Virginia United FC)
  3. Gold Coast Knights F.C.
  4. Gold Coast United FC
  5. Olympic FC
  6. Sunshine Coast FC
South Australia
  1. Adelaide City FC
  2. Football South Australia
Tasmania
  1. South Hobart FC
Victoria
  1. Avondale FC
  2. Brunswick Juventus FC
  3. Green Gully SC
  4. Heidelberg United FC
  5. Melbourne Knights FC
  6. Preston Lions FC
  7. South Melbourne FC

These clubs have been notified by Football Australia about their successful progression to the RFP phase.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson spoke about the significance of moving towards the next stage.

“We are delighted to announce the 26 shortlisted clubs for the National Second Tier competition, reflecting the passion and dedication that these clubs have shown in their pursuit of elevating Australian football.” he said.

“This significant milestone brings us one step closer to realising our 15-year vision for the sport, and we eagerly anticipate working hand-in-hand with these clubs to establish a thriving and sustainable National Second Tier competition.

“Together, we will shape the future landscape of football in Australia, offering new opportunities for growth and development while reconnecting and realigning our nation’s football competitions.”

The NST is predicted to begin in March 2024, containing 10-16 teams with a home and away league structure and finals, featuring 24 to 36 games. It is also mooted a group-based Champions League model could be implemented.

For more information about the NST application process, you can find it here.

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South Melbourne Hellas Strengthens Its Future with Three Key Board Appointments

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Image Credit: South Melbourne FC
South Melbourne Hellas has taken another significant step in shaping its future, announcing the appointment of three highly accomplished professionals to its Board of Directors as the club continues to strengthen its leadership both on and off the field.

The Hon. Philip Dalidakis, John Karantzis and Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris join the club at an important stage, bringing expertise across government, law, healthcare and corporate governance as South Melbourne continues to pursue its long-term ambitions.

Few football clubs in Australia can match South Melbourne’s proud history, but the club’s focus is firmly on the future. The latest appointments reflect a deliberate commitment to building a Board with the experience and strategic capability required to support sustained growth and success.

Dalidakis brings extensive experience across government, business and public policy. A former Victorian Cabinet Minister and C-suite executive, he is the Managing Partner of Orizontas and currently represents Australia on the APEC Business Advisory Council. He also holds board positions across the life sciences, defence and social impact sectors, and has chaired audit and risk committees across a range of organisations.

Karantzis is a Partner and Head of Personal Injury Law and Litigation at Carbone Lawyers, with more than 28 years of experience. Accredited as a Specialist in Personal Injury Law by the Law Institute of Victoria, he has also been recognised by Doyle’s Guide as one of Victoria’s leading plaintiff lawyers and litigators.

Pirpiris is an internationally recognised orthopaedic surgeon, academic and healthcare leader. A consultant surgeon at Epworth and Cabrini Hospitals, he specialises in robotic hip and knee replacement, arthritis management and sports injury care, and is a Fellow of both the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association.

Co-Presidents Bill Papastergiadis and Andrew Mesourouni said the appointments were about more than adding credentials to the Board.
“Philip, Marinis and John are exactly the kind of people South Melbourne Hellas needs at Board level right now,” they said.
“Each brings exceptional expertise in their respective fields, but just as importantly, they understand what this club represents. Their connection to South Melbourne’s values, history and community makes them a natural fit as we continue building for the future.”

The appointments form part of an ongoing renewal of the club’s leadership, reinforcing South Melbourne’s commitment to strong governance as it builds on its proud football tradition.

ParaMatilda to headline Frankston Pines’ new cerebral palsy program

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Image Credit: Football Victoria

A ParaMatilda will appear at Frankston Pines Soccer Club on Saturday as the club launches Victoria’s newest cerebral palsy football program during Football Victoria’s first dedicated Para Engagement Round.

The event, part of Round 7 of the All Abilities League Junior & Youth divisions, runs at Monterey Reserve, Monterey Boulevard, Frankston North. Children and young people with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or stroke-related symptoms can register for come-and-try sessions and meet current para athletes.

The ParaMatildas are the reigning world champions after winning the 2024 IFCPF Women’s World Cup. The victory made them the first Australian national football side to win a World Cup at any level. Goalkeeper and captain Katelyn Smith scored a hat-trick in the 6-2 final win over the United States.

The round coincides with Frankston Pines’ official launch of its new cerebral palsy football program. The club has organised a day including a Beyond the Limits cerebral palsy football showcase, community market stalls, face painting, a colouring competition, a jumping castle, fairy floss and a free sausage sizzle.

The event also raises awareness of Football Victoria’s upcoming Para Pathways Clinics, which will provide children and young people with neurological conditions an opportunity to explore the para football pathway. Further details about the clinics will be released soon.

The engagement round builds on the growth of Victoria’s All Abilities League, which has expanded from a single division in 2017 to 20 teams across four divisions representing 12 clubs this season.

Football Victoria launched its Disability Football Framework in December 2025, a strategic initiative to strengthen the delivery of disability football programs across the state. The Framework sets direction for FV’s work, guiding the development of new resources, guidance and minimum standards that clubs can use in the future.

FV All Abilities & Inclusion Programs Coordinator Selin Arpaci, named Administrator of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation Awards, said the framework marked a shift from ad hoc delivery to a structured approach.

“We’re no longer doing things just because they’ve always been done that way,” Arpaci said. “Our approach is now intentional, structured, and genuinely supportive for players, clubs and the community”.

Access remains a focus. The 2024-25 Regional All Abilities Participation Grants, funded by the Victorian Government, have supported clubs including Mitchell Rangers, Traralgon Olympians and Phillip Island Soccer Club to establish or expand all abilities programs.

Football Victoria has also partnered with Powerchair Sports Victoria to strengthen pathways for people with disabilities, while monthly women and girls cerebral palsy football sessions now run at The Home of the Matildas.

Frankston Pines has been a regular participant in the All Abilities League, with its inclusive program providing opportunities for people with physical, psychosocial or intellectual disabilities to participate in a supportive environment.

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