Football Australia has marked another significant achievement in the lead-up to the Australian Championship, officially concluding its third National Second Tier (NST) Request for Proposal (RFP) application process on Monday, 21 July 2025.
Following the October 31, 2024, announcement that the NST competition would commence in 2025, Football Australia initiated this third RFP round to identify more clubs for inclusion in the Australian Championship.
Unlike previous phases, this third RFP process specifically sought to engage clubs not involved in the original Expression of Interest and to reach underrepresented regions across various States and Territories. Although no fully compliant proposals were submitted during this round, Football Australia remains optimistic, noting the potential for more clubs to become viable candidates in future seasons.
The outcome of this RFP phase reaffirms Football Australia’s goal of establishing a successful, sustainable competition. The organization is focused on building a strong league framework with well-prepared clubs and a commercially sound structure under the Australian Championship umbrella.
Over the last two years, Football Australia has reviewed proposals from around 25 clubs using a detailed RFP evaluation framework. This process has helped the governing body assess clubs’ readiness to meet financial and technical standards. As a result, eight clubs have been selected as Foundation Clubs for the inaugural season.
Set to begin on Friday, 10 October 2025, the Australian Championship will continue to assess the progress of participating clubs both on and off the pitch, which will help guide decisions on future expansion and RFP opportunities.
The eight Foundation Clubs—APIA Leichhardt FC, Avondale FC, Marconi Stallions FC, Preston Lions FC, South Melbourne FC, Sydney Olympic FC, Sydney United 58 FC, and Wollongong Wolves FC—have secured up to five years of participation rights in the competition, provided they consistently meet key licensing requirements.
Inaugural Match Fixtures
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Friday, 10 October – South Melbourne FC vs. Sydney Olympic FC at Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne
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Saturday, 11 October – Preston Lions FC vs. NPL Premier (NSW)* at BT Connor Reserve, Melbourne
The competition will feature six rounds of group-stage matches. The top two teams from each group will proceed to a knockout Finals Series, with the Championship Final set for 6 December 2025. This format aims to balance competitive integrity with long-term financial sustainability.
Statement from Heather Garriock, Interim CEO of Football Australia:
“The Australian Championship represents a landmark addition to our national football calendar. It brings together historic clubs and NPL champions to showcase the pinnacle of domestic football in Australia.
“Completing this RFP process is a critical milestone in our due diligence journey to ensure the competition’s long-term viability.
“It has also provided us with valuable insights into the preparedness of clubs within the Australian football ecosystem. We will continue to track the progress of potential entrants.
“I extend my thanks to all Foundation Clubs and Member Associations for their dedication to launching this new league and building a sustainable future for our sport.”
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