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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Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

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Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

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Image Credits: Football Australia

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.

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