The NST is a new national competition developed and sanctioned by Football Australia to enhance the domestic club football landscape.   

Launching in October 2025, it aims to elevate Australian football by providing a competitive, aspirational and sustainable platform for high-level club football across the nation. 

The NST was established to strengthen Australia’s football pyramid, offering a national platform for iconic clubs and bridging the gap between local and national competitions. It showcases top Australian talent and provides more opportunities for players, coaches, and fans. 

The NST will feature a 16-team format with eight (8) Foundation Clubs and eight (8) invitational teams comprised of the Member Federation NPL State Premiers from the respective 2025 seasons.

The season includes group-stage home & away matches, leading to an elimination Finals Series, balancing intense competition with a climactic championship finish.   

The structure will include four (4) groups x four (4) teams, with the top two (2) advancing to play finals. 

The eight (8) NST Foundation Clubs, selected and announced in November 2023, are: 

1. APIA Leichhardt FC (NSW) 
2. Avondale FC (VIC)
3. Marconi Stallions FC (NSW)
4. Preston Lions FC (VIC)
5. South Melbourne FC (VIC)
6. Sydney Olympic FC (NSW)
7. Sydney United 58 FC (NSW)
8. Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW) 

In addition to the eight (8) Foundation Clubs, eight (8) additional clubs will join the NST each season, selected as the Member Federation NPL Premiers from their respective domestic NPL seasons, totalling 16 teams in the competition. 

The NPL State Premiers from the following state Member Federations will take part in the NST: 

1. Capital Football  
2. Football NSW  
3. Northern NSW Football 
4. Football Queensland 
5. Football South Australia 
6. Football Tasmania 
7. Football Victoria 
8. Football West 

Yes, the NST competition model was developed in close consultation with the eight (8) Foundation Clubs and key stakeholders, including Member Federations and industry experts. Football Australia held workshops and consultation sessions to ensure that the NST’s structure, objectives, and operations align with the needs and vision of the broader Australian football community.

The NST competition will include 16 teams in a structured format with home & away group-stage matches and an elimination Finals Series, ensuring high competition levels and commercial appeal. 

The NST season will run annually from October to December, including nine matchdays and concluding with a Championship Final in early December.  

This period was strategically selected following consultation with the NST Foundations Clubs and to align with NPL state-based competitions.

Football Australia will unveil the NST’s official competition name, brand identity, marketing materials, and trophy design in the coming months, creating excitement ahead of the debut season. 

The NST provides a national, sustainable framework that promotes both sporting excellence and financial viability, connecting the football pyramid and elevating club football by providing greater exposure to fans across Australia. 

The NST Foundation Clubs were chosen through a robust Request for Proposal (RFP) process based on their historic contributions, technical standards, and alignment with NST’s objectives, supported by advisory partner BDO. 

Yes. Football Australia plans a third RFP process targeting clubs outside the initial Expression of Interest process, focusing on underrepresented states to ensure diverse participation across the country. 

Football Australia will work closely with all NST clubs on refining operational details, establishing a strong governance structure, and supporting competition readiness alongside Member Federations and other stakeholders. 

A standalone home and away league remains a key strategic goal. Once minimum thresholds are achieved, Football Australia aims to expand and evolve the competition format further. 

Fans can stay tuned for updates in 2025 on the NST brand launch, fixture announcements, and ticket sales, which will bring new and exciting matches and allow fans to support their clubs on a national stage. 

Now that the competition format has been confirmed, Football Australia is actively working on broadcast arrangements for the NST. Further details on broadcasting platforms and availability will be announced closer to the competition’s launch in 2025.