Melbourne Knights and Green Gully are among 26 clubs that have successfully proceeded to the request for proposal phase of the National Second Tier (NST) soccer competition.
These clubs, having met the specific criteria outlined in the initial invitation for expression of interest phase, are now primed to engage in the next crucial step of the NST selection process.
The next phase will involve the distribution of comprehensive bid documents to the shortlisted clubs, including an information memorandum, NST related data, financial forecasts, key terms of a club participation agreement and draft transaction documents.
This phase will be conducted confidentially, running from May to July. It will be followed by an assessment and recommendation phase and is anticipated to be completed by September to October.
Of the 26 clubs, seven are from Victoria. Avondale, Brunswick Juventus, Heidelberg United, Preston Lions and South Melbourne are the other Victorian teams.
Football Australia’s chief executive James Johnson said this is a significant milestone.
“Together, we will shape the future landscape of football in Australia, offering new opportunities for growth and development while reconnecting and realigning our nation’s football competitions,” he said.
The NST is anticipated to begin in March 2024 and will involve between 10 and 16 teams with a home and away league structure and finals, featuring 24 to 36 games.
However, the possibility remains for Football Australia to institute a phased ‘group based’ model that will utilise the National Premier Leagues to decide the make-up of this format of competition.
Knights vice-president Simon Pincic previously told Star Weekly that a club with such proud history, they are keen to be on the national stage.
“We finally have the opportunity again to step back into the limelight. We won back-to-back cups in the mid-90s,” he said at the time.
“Our spectators were used to sustained success and they were used to the club playing at that level.
“We almost didn’t have a choice to apply, it’s where we need to be.”
Tara Murray
