Media release – Football Australia, 12 February 2025
Football Australia unveils the “Australian Championship”
Following the confirmation of the National Second Tier (NST) format in October, Football Australia today proudly announced the launch of the Australian Championship, the official name and brand for the long-anticipated competition.
This transformative initiative marks the next era for Australian football, providing a new national platform to showcase the talent, passion and heritage that unite communities across the country.
Scheduled to kick off in October 2025, the Australian Championship will feature 16 teams in a dynamic and sustainable format, blending eight Foundation Clubs with eight Member Federation Invitational Clubs selected from the National Premier Leagues (NPL). This innovative format bridges state-based competitions with the A-League Men’s pathway, redefining Australian football’s domestic football ecosystem and creating new opportunities for players, clubs and communities to shine.
Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson hailed the Australian Championship as a bold leap forward for the sport: “The Australian Championship is much more than a competition – it’s a national celebration of football; uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent and inter-generational community connection. It reflects the core values of Australian football: authenticity, opportunity and ambition.
“This competition will complement the A-League, NPL and Australia Cup, providing a connected, meaningful pathway for players and fans alike. Today’s brand launch is a statement of our commitment to grow domestic football in Australia and unlock its full potential.”
The competition format will include a group stage – four groups of four teams playing home and away matches – with the top 2 in each group crossing over to a high-stakes elimination Finals Series, culminating in the inaugural Australian Championship Final in early December 2025.
This innovative format prioritises competitive integrity, fan engagement and commercial viability, creating a platform for players, clubs and communities to thrive.
Designed to deliver competitive integrity, excitement and commercial appeal, the Australian Championship will celebrate Australian football’s authenticity, ambition and connection while engaging fans nationwide.
What the Australian Championship Stands For
Authenticity: Celebrating local clubs, iconic grounds and historic rivalries.
Discovery: Unveiling new talent and rising stars from across the country.
Connection: Bridging state competitions, professional pathways and grassroots football.
Pride & Belonging: Uniting fans, players, and communities through football’s universal appeal.
Clubs and Pathways
The eight clubs confirmed as Australian Championship Foundation Clubs include APIA Leichhardt FC (NSW), Avondale FC (VIC), Marconi Stallions FC (NSW), Preston Lions FC (VIC), South Melbourne FC (VIC), Sydney Olympic FC (NSW), Sydney United 58 FC (NSW) and Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW).
These clubs represent the heart of Australian football with rich histories, fierce rivalries and strong community ties. They will be joined by eight Member Federation NPL Clubs, drawn from their respective NPL competitions across Capital Football, Football Queensland, Football NSW, Football South Australia, Football Tasmania, Football Victoria, Football West and Northern NSW Football.
This unique structure ensures the Australian Championship remains inclusive, aspirational, and representative of the national football landscape.
Football fans are encouraged to follow the NPL competitions and Hahn Australia Cup around the country throughout the 2025 season to get a glimpse of the talent and rivalries set to feature in the Australian Championship. From the local grounds to the national stage, these clubs will bring the raw energy and excitement that define Australian football.
Brand Identity: Bold, Vibrant, and Dynamic
The Australian Championship’s brand identity, anchored by the theme of ‘breakthrough’, reflects the competition’s energy, ambition and momentum. Its bold design features Championship Green and Deep Steel, symbolising growth, resilience, and unity while celebrating the raw talent and vibrant communities that make Australian football unique.
Stay Connected and Join the Journey
Fans can stay up to date with the Australian Championship by visiting the official website and following its social media channels. A dedicated fan registration page through Football Australia’s Football Account, offers exclusive access to news, ticketing information, competitions and more as the countdown begins to October 2025.
Website: www.australianchampionship.com.au
Social Media:
Facebook: AusChampionship
X (formerly Twitter): AusChampionship
Instagram: AusChampionship
TikTok: AusChampionship
Football fans are encouraged to sign up today to follow the journey, celebrate their local clubs and be part of this exciting new chapter for Australian football. Fans can sign up by creating or updating a Football Account and ticking the Australian Championship section to be able to receive communications. To access Football Account, click here.
Further announcements, including fixtures, participating NPL teams, broadcast details and commercial partnerships, will be made in the lead-up to the competition’s historic debut in October 2025.
Media release – Football Federation Tasmania, 25 January 2025
RECORD-BREAKING GROWTH FOR FOOTBALL BACKS IN NEED FOR TASMANIAN HOME OF FOOTBALL
New figures released today by Football Australia back in Football Tasmania’s call for government investment in the new Home of Football for the State.
The figures show over 1.9 million participants nationwide – an 11 per cent increase compared to 2023.
The report shows that overall Tasmania’s participation – including outdoor football, futsal and school programs – is up by 5 per cent on 2023, to 31,278.
This includes a 3 per cent growth in outdoor football to 14,552 participants, of which 28 per cent are female.
Football Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata said: “We are so thrilled to be a part of a thriving national football community and welcome this report, which confirms what we already know – Tasmanians love our football, and the sport continues to grow.
“What we need now is for our governments to help provide us with the facilities we need to support this continued growth.”
Football Tasmania is currently seeking funding to develop an $80 million Home of Football in the state, to provide additional pitches and modern facilities for all levels of the game, from juniors to elite, and an A-League team for Tasmania.
The Home of Football includes six full-sized pitches – three synthetic and three turf – plus four five-aside pitches for all levels of community and elite football, as well as modern women’s and men’s change rooms and training facilities.
“The success of our Tasmanian teams, such as the JackJumpers in the NBL and the Hurricanes in the BBL, show what is possible with the support of local and state governments,” Mr Pignata said.
“We strive for an elite football presence in the national A-League competition, to rightfully take our place on the national stage and to provide a complete pathway for our footballers who aspire to play professionally.
“Our governments have supported our clubs with upgrades for local facilities, and now we need a facility that will benefit the entire football community in Tasmania.”
The full report from Football Australia is available here.
Key insights from the 2024 National Participation Report:
Total participation: Increased by 11% to 1,911,539 participants.
Women and girls’ participation: Rose by 16% to 221,436 participants.
Registered coaches and volunteers: Increased by 19% and 26% respectively, reflecting a growing workforce to support the game.
Outdoor football participation: Up by 10% to 640,170 participants.
Social football engagement: Increased by 13% to 174,846 participants.
