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Football Australia’s new national second-tier competition will be called the Australian Championship and kick-off on October 10.
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As previously announced, the inaugural Championship, which will conclude with a grand final on the weekend of December 6-7, will involve eight “foundation” clubs – APIA Leichhardt (NSW), Avondale (VIC), Marconi (NSW), Preston (VIC), South Melbourne (VIC), Sydney Olympic (NSW), Sydney United 58 (NSW) and Wollongong (NSW) – as well as eight “invitational” clubs from member federations.
FA chief executive officer James Johnson said the Championship would “complement” the A-League, the Australia Cup and the NPL state competitions.
“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,” Johnson said.
“It reflects the core values of Australian football – authenticity, opportunity, and ambition.”
The 16 teams will be split into four groups of four teams.
Each team will play six group games, with the top two from each group to progress to the competition’s knockout stages.
Football Australia will provide travel subsidies for clubs competing in the Championship in 2025.
There will no promotion and relegation between the Championship and the A-League.
The format and structure of the Championship will be reviewed after its first season.
