Football Queensland welcomes today’s announcement from Football Australia and congratulates the foundation clubs who will eventually participate in the inaugural National Second Tier (NST) competition in 2025. 

Football Queensland provided supporting endorsements and contributions to several Queensland NST club applications that formed part of their bids, alongside appropriate advocacy and endorsement to Football Australia.  

Whilst six Queensland applicant clubs progressed to the National Second Tier Request for Proposal (RFP) phase, ultimately four NPL Queensland clubs eventually withdrew making public and private statements regarding their decisions, demonstrating patience and citing a preference to wait for a more mature NST final model and visible composition. 

The financial strength and operational sophistication of several NPL Queensland clubs is nation-leading and without peer; they are embraced by and embedded into their local communities with equal measures of football history and folklore, and these clubs should be competing at the highest level possible.  

We look forward to seeing and supporting Football Queensland NPL clubs’ promotion into the National Second Tier in the future as the competition provides new opportunities for the growth and development of the game, completing the link with Queensland’s established football pyramid. 

We support Football Australia’s decision to select the most viable and progressive proposals for the inaugural season of the National Second Tier. Whilst no NPL Queensland clubs will initially participate, we acknowledge the maturity of the decision making within those clubs and recognise how they are choosing to manage their club priorities for the benefit of their stakeholders.  

FQ remains fully supportive of the new competition ahead of its commencement.