Lake Macquarie City will enter the NPL Women’s NNSW competition in 2025 with Warners Bay FC’s NPLW teams to transition to the club for next season.
The move will see Lake Macquarie City enter teams into all NPL Women’s NNSW grades as well as Premier Youth League Girls and Junior Development League competitions.
Lake Macquarie City president Steve Graham paid tribute to Warners Bay FC and said his club aspired to be the premier pathway and development choice for footballers in its region.
“Our commitment lies in establishing high standards for football education, modern facilities and fostering a network of affiliates that empowers talented female and male players to realise their full potential,” Graham said.
“Transferring Warners Bay FC’s Women and Girls NPLW program to LMCFC aligns seamlessly with our player development framework and overall action plan for the club. We want to acknowledge the fantastic contribution that Warners Bay FC have made to women’s football in the northern NSW region.
“Our club is committed to offering the best development environment for players in the northern NSW football region. We are excited about this opportunity to provide an inclusive pathway for young female players from grassroots to glory with the addition of this licence.”
Warners Bay have enjoyed a rich history of success. The Panthers were 2017 and 2018 NNSWF Women’s Premier League premiers and won the grand final in 2016, having been beaten in the 2017, 2018 and 2020 deciders. The club also won the NPL Women’s NNSW double in 2022 as they were crowned premiers and champions following a 4-2 victory over Newcastle Olympic in the grand final.
Warners Bay FC president Nathan Aurisch said the decision was made after a thorough evaluation of the club’s resources and infrastructure which are required to successfully manage a premier program in the rapidly growing women’s football landscape.
“The club ultimately found itself unable to meet the increasing demands and criteria associated with managing a premier program, including volunteers and financial requirements, without impacting the community football program,” Aurisch said.
“We want to acknowledge the significant contributions of all our players, coaches, volunteers and supporters that have led to a very successful period of women’s football at Warners Bay. Warners Bay FC will continue to focus on our core business which is to give those girls and boys an environment to enjoy and play football.
“We understand that this transition may be difficult for many and we want to assure everyone involved that this decision was not made lightly. We are committed to support the players, coaches and staff affected by this change. Lake Macquarie City FC has expressed their openness to welcoming Warners Bay FC players and staff who wish to continue competing at the premier level.
“This transition presents an opportunity to further strengthen women’s football in the Lake Macquarie area and build upon the foundation laid by Warners Bay FC.”
NNSWF General Manager Football Operations Liam Bentley said significant discussions had been held between both parties with the outcome the best possible for football in the area.
“Warners Bay recognised the challenges of running a premier girls programs alongside a huge community club were becoming too much for their volunteer base. Nathan and the rest of the committee at the club have taken the decision in conjunction with their club members to relinquish the licence at the end of the 2024 season,” Bentley said.
“Lake Macquarie City have shown incredible growth in the premier space over the last five years and have already shown a commitment to women’s football within their club prior to any transfer of licence.
“We believe that the transfer of this licence to Lake Macquarie City will not only ensure that there is a premier female program in and around the Lake Macquarie area but will also breathe some new life into the competition.
“I would like to thank Warners Bay for their service to the premier girls space and for working to find a solution that ensured the players in their program were given the best opportunity.”
There will be no change for any teams for the 2024 season.
Lake Macquarie City will remain subject to the same application process for JDL Boys and Girls competitions as all other clubs.