In a major development for Australian football, Football Australia has officially announced that 26 clubs have successfully proceeded to the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase of the National Second Tier (NST) competition. These clubs met the criteria outlined during the initial Invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) phase and are now set to take part in the next crucial step of the NST selection process
A total of 32 clubs from across Australia had submitted their EOIs, demonstrating their enthusiasm in joining the NST competition. Football Australia has extended its gratitude to all participating clubs and acknowledged their contribution to the sport in the country. The clubs that were not shortlisted were thanked for their commitment and encouraged to continue striving for excellence in Australian football.
The RFP phase, which will take place confidentially from May to July 2023, involves distributing comprehensive Bid Documents to the shortlisted clubs. These documents include an information memorandum, NST-related data, financial forecasts, key terms of a Club Participation Agreement, and draft transaction documents.
Following the RFP phase, there will be an assessment and recommendation phase from July to August 2023, with the entire process anticipated to conclude by September to October 2023.
The establishment of the NST competition is a critical component of Football Australia's 15-year strategy for the sport, aiming to realign Australian football competitions. The 26 shortlisted clubs will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport in the country.
The list of 26 shortlisted clubs for the RFP phase covers clubs from various states and territories across Australia, including teams such as Canberra Croatia FC, APIA Leichhardt FC, Brisbane City FC, Adelaide City FC, South Hobart FC, and Melbourne Knights FC, there is a full list at the bottom of this article
Football Australia is pleased to formally announce that 26 clubs have successfully proceeded to the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase of the National Second Tier (NST) competition. https://t.co/xq7mTKD5at
— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) May 10, 2023
Football Australia's CEO, James Johnson, expressed his delight at the announcement and the exciting journey ahead for Australian football: "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."
Johnson added, "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."
He concluded by emphasising the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of football in Australia and offering new opportunities for growth and development while reconnecting and realigning the nation's football competitions.
🔢 We've crunched the numbers, looking at the various permutations for the @aleaguemen sides aiming to avoid an #AustraliaCup playoff match in the final round of the regular season 🔎#MagicOfTheCup
— Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) April 27, 2023
Clubs through to RFP phase
1. Canberra Croatia FC
2. Gungahlin United FC
3. APIA Leichhardt FC
4. Fraser Park FC
5. Marconi Stallions FC
6. Rockdale Ilinden FC
7. Sydney Olympic FC
8. Sydney United 58 FC
9. Sutherland Sharks FC / Cronulla Sharks
10. Wollongong Wolves FC
11. Brisbane City FC
12. Brisbane United FC (Wynnum Wolves FC, Brisbane Strikers FC, Virginia United FC
13. Gold Coast Knights F.C.
14. Gold Coast United FC
15. Olympic FC
16. Sunshine Coast FC
17. Adelaide City FC
18. Football South Australia
19. South Hobart FC
20. Avondale FC
21. Brunswick Juventus FC
22. Green Gully SC
23. Heidelberg United FC
24. Melbourne Knights FC
25. Preston Lions FC
26. South Melbourne FC
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