Reigning premiers Broadmeadow Magic will host Adamstown Rosebud JFC in the opening round of the inaugural NPL Women’s NNSW competition.
Northern NSW Football’s top tier women’s competition will transition to NPL status in 2022, with the eight Women’s Premier League clubs offered licences to join the new competition.
Broadmeadow, who were awarded the 2021 Women’s Premier League premiership having been top of the table when COVID-19 restrictions saw the remainder of the competition cancelled, welcome Rosebud to Magic Park on Friday 18 March in the historic opening match.
Elsewhere, Newcastle Olympic host Charlestown Azzurri at Darling Street Oval on the afternoon of Saturday 19 March, with Warners Bay hosting New Lambton at John Street Oval on Saturday evening.
Finally, Maitland FC make the trip north to face Mid Coast FC at Taree Zone Field on Sunday 20 March in new coach David Walker’s first match in charge of the Magpies to complete the opening round.
Northern NSW Football General Manager Football Operation Liam Bentley said NNSWF were excited to take the next step to grow the game for women and girls.
“Obviously the way the 2021 season ended was disappointing. But we’re so excited for 2022,” Bentley said.
“The transition to NPL Women’s NNSW is part of our next step as the governing body to grow the women’s game with scope for further expansion in the future.
“The transition will aim to raise the bar on and off the field and be the next step in improving the environment and pathway for female players developing in our region.
“A number of clubs have particularly strong rosters, making the race for the premiership and championship wide open.
“There are some outstanding matches in the opening round. We can’t wait for kick-off and we wish the eight teams all the best for 2022.”
NNSWF Premier Competitions will also contain a number of feature rounds in 2022 including Respect Round (18-19 June) and Heritage Round (6-7 August) as well as the commemoration of ANZAC Day (23-25 April) and celebration of Female Football Week (6-15 May) and NAIDOC Week (4-10 July).
The full 2022 NPL Women’s NNSW fixture list is available HERE.
2022 NPL Women’s NNSW Round 1 Fixtures
Broadmeadow Magic v Adamstown Rosebud JFC – Magic Park – Friday 18 March – 8pm
Newcastle Olympic v Charlestown Azzurri – Darling Street Oval – Saturday 19 March – 2.30pm
Warners Bay FC v New Lambton FC – John Street Oval – Saturday 19 March – 7pm
Mid Coast FC v Maitland FC – Taree Zone Field – Sunday 20 March – 3.40pm