Football Australia has reached a significant milestone in the National Second Tier (NST) Application Process, distributing the Request for Proposal (RFP) Materials to the 26 shortlisted applicants today.
This critical step paves the way for the next phase of the NST application process.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, acknowledged the commencement of the RFP phase: “The progression of the 26 shortlisted clubs to the RFP phase brings us another step closer to the realisation of our vision for this competition and an aligned football pyramid,” said Johnson.
The 26 clubs, which successfully transitioned from the Expression of Interest (EOI) phase, will now engage in a comprehensive evaluation process.
The RFP materials, which include vital information, will aid the clubs in preparing their proposals. Upon receiving these materials and following a thorough briefing, the clubs will confirm their intent to submit a proposal and will have until early August to finalise their submissions. This will mark the conclusion of the RFP phase, with the Assessment and Review Phase scheduled to commence in August, and the Completion Phase slated for September.
The remaining phases of the NST Application Process will be conducted confidentially, with Football Australia appointing accounting and advisory experts, BDO, as an independent third party to assist.
The anticipated commencement of the NST competition is March 2024, with an expected participation of between 10 and 16 teams, featuring a home and away league structure and finals. This bold initiative will not only elevate Australian football but also provide a platform for the growth and development of our nation’s clubs.
“We are excited about the continuing evolution of the National Second Tier from concept to competition and creating new opportunities for sustainable growth and development,” Johnson added.
While the structure of the NST competition is yet to be finalised, Football Australia is also considering a possible phased ‘group based’ model utilising the National Premier Leagues, commonly referred to as the ‘Champions League’ model.
