Support grows for National Second Division ahead of AAFC meeting

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The Australian Association of Football Clubs (AAFC) will take the next step towards its plans to have a national second division in place by 2022, holding a meeting this week with interested member federation clubs.

Over 50 clubs across Australia are set to be a part of the discussion on Tuesday, which will centre around the criteria of the proposed second division, with a working title of ‘The Championship’.

AAFC will provide a public statement on the progress made throughout the meeting the following day.

This is welcome news for football fans who have been pushing for a proper football system, with AAFC also providing possible timelines, something the game has been crying out for.

The organisation would have been heartened to hear of Melbourne Victory owner Joe Mirabella’s comments recently, who fully backed the implementation of a national second division.

He told The Age: “We need it (a second division) because it is a point of difference to our game and to other sports. We need competition in the A-League. We need our grassroots to eventually play into a B-League and then play towards winning a spot in the A-League.”

“I don’t care if it is Victory, Sydney FC or Melbourne City. It is about merit.”

Mirabella’s comments are not revolutionary, but are significant, because of who he is.

A Melbourne Victory owner publicly admitting the game needs promotion and relegation might go against his own interests, based on the current A-League model, however, he realises it is for the betterment of the sport in this country.

It will provide the game with more opportunities across the board and will embrace what makes football unique.

“I have discussed this with a lot of football people,” he continued.

“When you get journalists, commentators and fans of the game, ex-players who have played for the country and they are all in favour of the second division then you can see there is a groundswell of support going.

“My family is a football family. But when they are saying the A-League has become boring you have to do something.”

Ultimately, the decision to implement a connected football pyramid will come down to the FFA, who continue to be in discussions with AAFC.

The ‘XI Principles’ document which was released at the start of July, highlighted various agenda points in the game that the governing body would look to fix or improve.

Detail on the second division was light, with just one passage of the document stating “consider the development of a second-tier competition”.

In saying this however, the XI Principles is a living document, meaning amendments will be made to it in the future, as the FFA assesses the best way forward for the game in financially difficult times.

Following the results of a survey of the Australian football community based on the XI Principles paper, showing 99% of respondents insist the game undertakes a major overhaul, FFA CEO James Johnson spoke about the possibilities of a national second division.

“Could there be a second-tier competition, with 10 or 12 teams that play 20-odd rounds home and away or do we look at a second-tier competition with conferences based in different states around the country that play half the season at state level and then end up playing at national level in a group stage, similar to how the Brazilian league operates,” he told News Corp.

“There’s two parts to the season that starts at state level, then a qualification process that goes into a national level of competition.

“This is something we could look at because someone of our challenges in Australia are similar to Brazil – where you have competition that are strong at state level and you have a very big country geographically, so their solution was to use this sort of format.”

Whether you believe the Brazilian system is suitable for Australia or not, it is important for football fans to see those in charge of the game continue to debate the merits of various models, led by an administrator who is a football person.

With the greatest respect, what was the likelihood of former FFA CEO David Gallop speaking about the Japanese footballing model as opposed to the Brazilian model in the public eye?

The national second division is coming, in what form we are unsure, but the consensus seems to be when and how, not if.

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Weekly update: Latest NPL partnership announcements

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David Gyung / Shutterstock.com

Read here for the latest news and updates on NPL partnerships across each state in Australia.

NPL VIC

Preston Lions

Titan Pre-Mix Concrete – Providers of premium concrete solutions and exceptional service for residential, commercial and industrial projects.

Masalkovski Group – A family-owned business specialising in recycling, excavation and landfill services. Since 1974, the team has provided resource recovery and earthmoving.

Allcar Towing Group – A high quality and professional towing service, with a team of dedicated drivers and support staff committed to helping customers involved in accidents.

Chemist Warehouse – Australia’s largest discount pharmacy, committed to providing customers with affordable and accessible healthcare products.

The Butchers Daughter – Family-owned for over 40 years and renowned for supplying high-quality products including kebapi, gyros,cured meats and gourmet sausages.

T.S. Auto Electrics – For over 30 years, TS Auto has provided clients with repairs and an extensive range of services including EFI and CRD engine & Transmission Control Systems, Alternators, Starters and more.

La Monte Tiles – Family-operated with over 100 years of combined experience, La Monte Tiles specialise in premium Italian porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tiles.

Allied Print Australia – A leading print management company, offering an extensive variety of services including design, printing, banners, brochures and promotional products.

KBG Building and Construction – Striving to create sustainable projects across residential, commercial and industrial sites, KBG combine affordability and innovation to ensure their works are made for the long-term.

Heidelberg United 

Alpha Seafoods – Reliable and high quality food service solutions in Victoria since 1991. The team now supplies over 1,500 products to more than 200 customers across Victoria.

Dandenong Thunder

Cameron – Leaders in Melbourne’s South-East commercial and industrial property deals. The team has provided excellent customer service and guidance, backed by over 45 years of experience.

CNC Pro – Melbourne-based carpenters and cabinet specialists, offering services across design and installation for commercial and domestic clients.

NPL NSW

Wollongong Wolves

Buonissimo Cucina – Founded in 2016, Buonissimo has grown from a bakery supplying premium products to supermarkets across Australia and New Zealand, to producing over 100 products including frozen items.

MCR (Multi Civil & Rail) – A leader in rail services, MCR is the largest provider of rail safe working staff in Australia with over 450 clients. They lead the way in the industry for innovation, safety and efficiency.

SD Raiders

Crown Electrical Solutions – Offering an extensive range of services for home automation solutions, Crown Electrical Solutions can help clients achieve their project goals with innovative and dependable technology.

NPL Northern NSW

Cooks Hill United

Aspira Business and Financial Services – Aspira prides itself on building genuine relationhips with clients to ensure long-term and sustainable success for their financial goals. Based in Newcastle and Maitland, they are a business ally for many locals.

The George Darby Hotel – A popular hotel and restaurant setting in Newcastle, the George Darby Hotel offers excellent food options and entertainment nights throughout the week.

Harcourts – Operating since 1888, Harcourts offers a full range of services in the real estate industry, both locally and internationally in the USA, China, Canada and more.

Manning Valley – Since 1989, Manning Valley have only produced free range, quality eggs grown on Australian farms. The team is led by a ‘flock first’ policy and dedication to nurturing the natural environment of the farm.

NPL QLD

Wynnum Wolves

Trace Project Management – Experts in high-quality projects, as well as end-to-end management and advisory services for clients. All projects are delivered with care, precision and professionalism.

Olympic FC

Symferon Wealth – Brisbane-based financial advisory firm with deeply connected roots to Olympic FC and the local area. The team at Symferon are committed to acting always in the best interests of their clients to support financial wellbeing.

NPL WA

Armadale SC 

Aview Windows & Doors – From consultation to installation, Aview deliver premium service across windows and doors. The team is renowned for providing durable and reliable products.

Spinifex Sheds – A local independent shed dealer in Perth since 2010, Spinifex build sheds designed to endure harsh Australian conditions through premium materials and expertise.

Olympic Kingsway

PPC Supplies – An experienced team supplying plasterboard, insulation and building materials. PPC works across Western Australia and South Australia.

Western Knights

Peninsula Personal Injury Lawyers – For over 45 years, PPIL have provided clients with exceptional and transparent service when handling claims. They offer services across vehcile accidents, public liability, workers compensation and more.

Optimus Fleet – Delivering top quality steel fabrication, poly pipe solutions and workforce services for mining, construction and infrastructure projects. Their global partenrships and reputation are built on affordability, innovation and dependable solutions.

Perth Redstar 

Credentia Construction – With more than 60 years of combined experience, Credentia are committed to delivering quality construction projects backed by integrity, trust and an innovative spirit.

Stirling Macedonia

Stirling Central Shopping Centre – A go-to location in Stirling for family and friends to relax, shop and find a huge range of entertainment services.

NPL NT

Casuarina FC

AJ Couriers & Haulage – Providing reliable courier, freight and logistics services, AJ Couriers & Haulage operate with an extensive fleet across the Northern Territory.

 

AFC Women’s Asian Cup: How do we sustain growth and success?

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Image credit: Football Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe)

This year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 was not just another tournament. It was a momentum shift for women’s football in Australia. Match quality, crowd numbers and national pride have never been higher – but how do we ensure this success continues after the final whistle?

Financial input and output

Ahead of the tournament, the Australian Government demonstrated their support and commitment through a $15 million investment.

With such significant financial backing behind the Matildas’ pursuit of victory on home soil, the tournament seemed poised to be hugely successful – and it didn’t disappoint.

Projections point towards an overall revenue of over $250 million, with over 24,000 international visitors and 1000 jobs created. It proves that when money is invested into the women’s game, the rewards on and off the pitch are undeniable.

Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, was present at the official announcement of the Australian Government’s funding boost.

“The Tillies and the 2023 Women’s World Cup redefined Australian sport and now the Albanese Government is backing the Matildas again with a $15 million investment for the Women’s Asian Cup,” said Wells.

“Women’s sport is not nice to have or a phase, it is brilliant, nation-stopping, and here to stay.”

With huge revenue numbers and contributions to local economies, this year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup has demonstrated the financial power and potential of the Matildas, and ultimately of women’s football across Australia.

Attendance numbers skyrocket

Beyond finances, however, the standout factor throughout the tournament was the record-breaking crowd sizes.

60,279 fans packed into Stadium Australia in Sydney to witness an entertaining 3-3 draw between the Matildas and South Korea, a huge number which was later smashed by Saturday’s final attendance of 74,397.

However, support wasn’t exclusive to the Matildas. At Japan’s semi-final demolition of South Korea, a 17,367 crowd set a record for the highest attendance at a Women’s Asian Cup match between two visiting teams.

Although skeptics will highlight that many games failed to sell out, the crowds attracted during this year’s tournament highlight two decades of immense growth. In 2006, the final brought in little more than 5000 people.

In fact, with 250,000 attendees over three weeks, and ticket sales increasing five-fold from the previous record, the proof of a nationwide buzz is there for all to see.

But creating a buzz is not enough. We must act on it, and sustain it, if we want to see true, long-term development.

 

Avoiding past mistakes

Following the excitement of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, women’s football in Australia looked set to launch into a new era of development and expansion.

Although female participation increased in New South Wales by 31% between 2022 and 2025, attendance numbers at ALW matches fell by 26% between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. The ‘buzz’ – without genuine commitment or backing to sustain it – wore off far too quickly.

This year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup was a second chance for Australia’s football industry to correct its past mistakes, and ensure that state federations, governments and teams align in their commitment to growing the ALW and women’s football as a whole.

Furthermore, given the on-pitch prowess and off-pitch success over the past few weeks, the Asian Cup could play a major role going forward. It may yet be the catalyst, the long-awaited springboard that can propel women’s football to new heights in years to come, both on the international stage and within Australia.

 

How do we prolong the buzz?

So, while the success of the Asian Cup can encourage important discussions, the key is to inspire stakeholders and decision makers into taking real action.

On Saturday, Football Australia expressed their commitment to progressing the women’s game in NSW after the tournament ends. Joined by Football NSW and Northern NSW Football, they called upon the NSW government to address facility imbalances over the next decade.

“The growth of women’s football in New South Wales is not a short-term trend – it represents a fundamental shift in participation and expectation across our communities. To sustain this momentum, we must invest in infrastructure that is inclusive, accessible and fit for purpose, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to play, develop and thrive in the game,” said Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas.

“We call on the government to invest in the largest participation sport in NSW to bridge the growing facilities gap in NSW which will deliver economic and social long-term benefits through connected communities.”

To this end, a proposed NSW AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 Legacy Fund – worth $343 million over a ten-year period – would address several issues at grassroots level. These include:

  • Delivering upgraded community facilities to accommodate growing participation numbers among women and girls
  • Improving accessibility, safety and playing capacity across metro, regional and remote communities
  • Supporting multi-use and multi-sport facilities
  • Strengthening pathways for women and girls across all age groups
  • Continuing the legacy of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

Should this fund be implemented in NSW over the next ten years, fans and players within the women’s game will be at the heart of a major, long-overdue realignment.

Final thoughts

Despite the bitter disappointment of losing in the final on home soil, there is nevertheless an important reminder to take away: we can’t control results on the field, but we can control intent, attitude and commitment off it.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 was a huge success for women’s football in Australia. Matches were of extremely high quality, crowd numbers smashed tournament records, and the nation was united in their support for one of Australia’s most popular sporting outfits.

There may not be silverware to show for it, but the past few weeks have provided something far greater: recognition, respect and a platform to continue growing long after the final whistle. The demand is undeniable, participation and interest is soaring, and the voice of the women’s game can no longer be ignored.

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