Victorian NPLW gets a revamp – What does it mean for your club?

Liam Watson

Looking ahead to 2020, Football Victoria have announced big changes to the way the NPLW competition will be structured.

The huge development for next season is that Southern United FC and Galaxy United FC have not been offered the full NPLW license, meaning they will not participate in the top flight for women’s soccer in Victoria.

In a bid to make the league a little more competitive, the NPLW senior competition will feature eight teams from last season – Calder United SC, FC Bulleen Lions, Alamein FC, South Melbourne FC, Box Hill United, Heidelberg United, Bayside United and Senior NTC.

With a revamped eight-team league, there will be 21 rounds plus finals starting from 2020.

While Southern United and Galaxy United won’t be part of it, they will be able to continue playing in the Victorian Senior women’s State League 1 level, while current U12, U14 and U16 junior teams are unaffected, with that competition remaining a 27-week season in 2020.

This is all a proposal that both clubs are evaluating and are given until Friday August 30 to respond. Acceptance of the offer will mean the senior and U19 (reserves) teams will be moved to the State League 1 tier for women’s soccer in Victoria.

While a decision has been made for NPLW status of Southern United and Galaxy United next year, both clubs will at least have the chance to reapply to get back into the NPLW in the lead up to season 2021, which is part of an open and transparent process for all FV clubs.

FV remains committed to the development for the women’s game and striving towards an optimal competition structure for junior girls.

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Female Football Week kicks off across Northern NSW

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Female Football Week has officially begun across Northern NSW, with a program of gala days, networking events and awards ceremonies running until Sunday May 17, marking a ten-day celebration that organisers say reflects both the growth of women’s football in the region and the work still required to sustain it.

The national initiative, now a fixture on the football calendar, provides a dedicated period of visibility for female participants across all levels of the game from players, coaches, referees to volunteers, whose contributions have historically received less recognition than their male counterparts.

NNSWF Participation and Women’s Football Officer Serena Carter said the week offered something for everyone connected to women’s football in the region.

“Female Football Week provides a fantastic chance to highlight the dedication and skill of female players, coaches, referees and volunteers across the northern NSW community,” Carter said. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from grassroots participants to elite competitors.”

Women’s football in northern NSW spans remote and regional communities where clubs operate on limited resources, alongside more established metropolitan programs with clearer development pathways. Female Football Week creates a moment of shared recognition across that spectrum and acknowledges the role volunteers play, from running the canteen to progressing through the pathway.

Northern NSW Football has recorded some of its strongest participation numbers in women’s and girls’ football in recent seasons, a trend that has placed increasing pressure on clubs and facilities to keep pace. The week’s events offer clubs an opportunity to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion at a time when that commitment is being tested by growth.

Female Referee Mentor Program backed by Football Australia

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Image credit: Football Australia

Football Australia (FA) launched the program last week, aiming to champion the next generation of female referees through connections with experienced officials.

Investing in the future

Backed with investment from the Australian Government’s ‘Play Our Way’ grant, FA’s Ref Our Game framework will pair future referees with current and former A-League officials.

Through one-on-one mentorship, development opportunities and a network of experienced professionals, aspiring female referees will have unique insights into match officiating.

“Football Australia has always been a leader in inclusion, setting a global standard for female leadership and development,” said Football Australia CEO, Martin Kugeler, via press release.

“This program reflects a strong commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable officiating pathway and creating a meaningful connections, increasing confidence and ensuring talented female referees feel supported to stay in the game.”

Furthermore, with the launch coinciding with Female Football Week (running from May 8 to May 18), the program represents a wider drive in Australia’s football landscape to become inclusive and supportive.

 

About the program

Focused on future referees within the 18-26 age bracket, the program will give participants a deep understanding of match officiating and equip them with both confidence and expertise.

Each participant will benefit from six mentor sessions, which will include individual feedback, guidance and insights into the life of a referee in elite sport.

Combining leadership, communication and a real sense of belonging, the program promises to nurture new female referees and, as a result, ensure football remains a sport in which men and women can participate side-by-side.

“The Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program is the most significant commitment ever to women and girls sporting programs and facilities and it’s making a real difference,” explained Minister for Sport, Anika Wells.

“We want to see more girls and women involved in sport at every level and supporting programs like this helps make that happen.”

Indeed, programs of this nature align ambition, professional networks, and a vision for improving the landscape.

This is what the industry needs to ensure long-term inclusivity and cohesion for the next generation.

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