Football Australia has officially unveiled the Australian Championship, the long-awaited competition set to transform the country’s football landscape. Confirmed in October, the Australian Championship will provide a national platform for showcasing Australian talent and fostering deeper community engagement within the sport.
Slated to begin in October 2025, the competition will feature 16 teams in a dynamic format that combines eight Foundation Clubs and eight Member Federation Invitational Clubs. The latter will be selected from Australia’s National Premier Leagues (NPL), offering a bridge between state-based football and the professional A-League Men’s pathway. This new structure aims to elevate the domestic football ecosystem by creating fresh opportunities for players, clubs, and fans alike.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson called the launch a significant leap forward for Australian football. “The Australian Championship is more than just a competition; it’s a national celebration of the sport, connecting historic clubs, emerging talent, and communities across the country,” Johnson said. “It reflects the core values of authenticity, opportunity, and ambition, while offering an exciting new pathway for players and fans.”
The competition will feature a group stage, with four groups of four teams playing home-and-away fixtures. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout phase, culminating in the inaugural Australian Championship Final in December 2025. This format ensures competitive integrity, fan engagement, and commercial viability, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in Australian football.
A Celebration of Australian Football’s Core Values
The Australian Championship aims to celebrate the authenticity of local football clubs, the discovery of new talent, and the vital connection between grassroots and professional football. The competition’s central values include:
Authenticity: Highlighting iconic clubs, historic rivalries, and local passion.
Discovery: Showcasing emerging talent from across the country.
Connection: Linking state-level competitions with the professional football pathway.
Pride & Belonging: Uniting players, fans, and communities through football.
The Clubs and the Pathway
The Australian Championship’s inaugural lineup will include eight Foundation Clubs with strong histories in the Australian football scene. These clubs are: APIA Leichhardt FC (NSW), Avondale FC (VIC), Marconi Stallions FC (NSW), Preston Lions FC (VIC), South Melbourne FC (VIC), Sydney Olympic FC (NSW), Sydney United 58 FC (NSW), and Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW). These clubs represent the heartbeat of the sport in Australia, known for their passionate fanbases and fierce rivalries.
Additionally, eight clubs from the Member Federation NPL competitions will join the Championship, selected from leagues across the country, including Capital Football, Football Queensland, Football NSW, Football South Australia, Football Tasmania, Football Victoria, Football West, and Northern NSW Football. This inclusive approach ensures the Australian Championship is representative of Australia’s diverse football landscape.
Football fans can follow the NPL competitions and the Hahn Australia Cup throughout the 2025 season to spot the rising stars and rivalries set to define the new competition.
A Bold, Vibrant Brand Identity
The Australian Championship’s branding is built around the theme “Breakthrough,” reflecting the competition’s energy, ambition, and vision for the future of Australian football. Its vibrant color scheme, including Championship Green and Deep Steel, symbolizes growth, resilience, and unity, while emphasizing the passion and vitality of Australian football communities.
Get Involved and Stay Updated
Fans are encouraged to stay connected and follow the Australian Championship’s progress through the official website and social media channels. A dedicated fan registration page is available through Football Australia’s Football Account, offering exclusive access to news, ticketing information, and competitions as the countdown to October 2025 begins.
The launch of the Australian Championship represents a new era for Australian football, creating a national platform for clubs, players, and fans to unite and celebrate the sport’s immense potential.
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