Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced that it will conduct a review of Australia’s National Premier Leagues (NPL) competition over the coming months.

The review, which is aimed to be complete by the end of February 2020, will engage a range of key stakeholders, including but not limited to each of Australia’s Member Federations, the Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC), Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), FFA’s Women’s Football Council, Football Coaches Australia (FCA), and the Australian Professional Football Clubs Association (APFCA).

The purpose of the review is to reflect on the outcomes realised since the NPL was launched in 2013, identify potential enhancements or initiatives to improve the competition, and clarify the role of the NPL within the national competition structure and the player pathway.

Among other matters, the review will consider the NPL Finals Series including its structure and timing, the cost of youth football in the NPL, the structure of the NPL in each state, and the Player Points System.

FFA National Technical Director, Rob Sherman, explained that all interested members of Australia’s football community who wish to provide their feedback will be able to do so.

“We believe that it is important that all members of our football community who wish to express their views or insights throughout the NPL competitions review process are able to do so,” Sherman said.

“There will be a range of opportunities for stakeholders to contribute throughout the process, including an online survey as well as the intention for FFA to hold community forums in each state and territory.

“FFA will also establish a National Working Group (NWG) which will consider all the feedback received throughout the consultation process, with the NWG ultimately responsible for the development of a submission to the FFA board,” he concluded.

The Terms of Reference of the 2019/20 Review of the National Premier Leagues can be viewed here, while Australia’s football community can access the online survey here.