NNSWF announces evolution of its Women and Girls’ premier competitions 

Northern NSW Football is delighted to announce a plan to evolve its NPL Women’s NNSW and Premier Youth League Girls competitions as part of the broader progression of its premier competitions across northern NSW.  

NNSWF will decouple its NPLW NNSW and PYLG competitions from 2026 to enable increased accessibility to the highest level of football for aspirational clubs as well as targeted improvements at each level. Applications for clubs to seek entry into these competitions for the 2026 season will open on 8 March 2025.

NNSWF’s Women and Girls’ Premier Competition Structure Advisory Group was established last year and was made up of a diverse and experienced group of individuals including:

• Lauren Edwards – NNSWF Board Member
• Liam Bentley – NNSWF General Manager Football Operations
• Ryan Doidge – NNSWF Technical Director
• Allana Neave – NNSWF General Manager Women & Girls, Participation
• Nat Boyd – NNSWF Women & Girls and Inclusion Officer
• Sarah White – Hunter Valley Football General Manager
• Kerry Conquest – NPL Women’s NNSW Standing Committee Chair
• Rondah Stevenson – Regional Club Administrator (Alstonville FC)
• Jen Willmott – Ireland Women’s National Team Manager and former Football Australia General Manager of Women’s National Teams

The key issues that were identified included:

• No accessible and transparent pathway for new clubs to enter the women and girls’ pathway except for taking over an already existing position from a transitioning club.
• In the NPLW NNSW, the linkage between youth and senior competitions restricted flexibility, hindering development and competitive balance. 
• A need to ensure that competitions cater for growth.
• The lack of clarity around the optimal number of clubs and its impact on the talent pipeline posed a risk to competition growth.
• The perception of the gulf between premier and community football in the women and girls’ game, coupled with the number of more aspirational clubs across northern NSW.

The working group considered these issues and submitted a proposal to the NNSWF Board of Directors last year, which was accepted.

As a result, NNSWF will implement a two-phased plan aimed at continued evolution of its women and girls’ premier competitions, while fostering growth, inclusivity and excellence.

The roadmap was designed to balance immediate actions with long-term strategic goals, providing a structured pathway for new and existing clubs to contribute to the development of women and girls’ football as well as providing greater accessibility for players across the region.

Phase One – Laying the Foundations

Phase one will focus on four distinct action items that will set the stage for the successful expansion and evolution of the NPLW NNSW and PYLG competitions in the future while fostering an inclusive environment for metro and regional clubs.

Phase one will consist of four key action items including:

1. Decoupling of youth and senior football
   Decoupling the NPLW NNSW and PYLG competitions will allow NNSWF and clubs to make youth-focused decisions to prioritise nurturing talent across the region in isolation of senior football. This approach ensures the best environment for youth development while showcasing senior players at the highest level without compromising the integrity of either pathway.
2. Opening applications for entry in PYLG
   Applications for the PYLG 2026 season will open to all clubs across northern NSW in March 2025. By mid-2025, the league’s structure will be confirmed. The application process will remain consistent for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
3. Opening applications for entry into NPLW NNSW
   Applications for the NPLW NNSW 2026 season will open to all clubs across northern NSW in March 2025. This approach positions expansion as progress over perfection. The application process will remain consistent for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
4. Communication of the evolution plan
   A comprehensive communication strategy will articulate the goals of phase one and provide a clear vision for future growth in female football competitions. NNSWF will also work closely with member zones to assure clubs have a supported pathway out of premier competitions if required, thereby reducing perceived risks for aspirational clubs.

Phase Two – Competition Evolution

Phase two is a long-term strategy that builds on the foundations laid in phase one and focuses on improving the competitive structure of female premier competitions in the future.

Phase two will consist of three key action items including:

1. Exploring the introduction of promotion and relegation within senior women’s competitions
2. A PYLG league structure that mirrors the one already in place in the PYL Boys competition.
3. Connecting NPLW NNSW to zone community competitions to create a seamless competition pyramid.

NNSWF will also open applications for clubs looking to enter the Premier Youth League Boys competition, as well as the JDL Boys or JDL Girls leagues structure, for the 2026 season. Applications for these leagues will also open on 8 March 2025.

NNSWF CEO Peter Haynes was pleased to make the announcement.

“In consultation with the advisory group and the NNSWF Board of Directors, NNSWF has been able to create a clear roadmap to help grow and develop the women and girls’ premier competitions sustainably and effectively,” Haynes said.

“This evolution plan aligns with the NNSWF Strategic Plan 2024-26 and our 2025 Operational Plan which aims to provide enjoyable football experiences, develop talent, champion excellence and showcase our game.

“The success of decoupling our NPL Men’s NNSW and PYL Boys competitions recently has led to more dynamic and competitive football across all age groups. 

“We are also working hard to create a level of equality across our premier competitions. I look forward to laying the foundations for long-term, sustainable growth for women and girls’ football across our region.”

NNSWF General Manager Football Operations Liam Bentley was excited for the future of women and girls’ football across the region.

“The approach to expand our women and girls’ premier competitions is process over perfection, recognising that structural changes such as uneven fixtures or byes may arise. Such challenges should be seen as necessary steps forward toward the broader goal of inclusivity and growth in the women’s premier ecosystem,” Bentley said.

“Decoupling the NPLW NNSW and PYLG competitions opens up opportunities for clubs interested in entering PYLG but not yet ready for senior competitions. Several clubs have already expressed interest in participating in youth-only competitions as a first step towards building stronger female programs and we look forward to being able to make this a reality from 2026.”

Next Steps and Timelines

All applications will follow the timelines outlined below to ensure consistency for entry into all NNSWF Premier Competitions.

NNSWF Football Operations & Compliance Coordinator Mitchell O’Keefe will manage the application process. Clubs can contact Mitchell HERE for more information and application assistance.

Find out more HERE.