Ambitious clubs will be welcomed to submit bids for a national second division to sit beneath A-League

The early level of interest in an Aussie football second tier competition shows the number of submissions could exceed the 15 the FFA received for the recent A-League expansion process.

The FFA Cup has played a big role in building momentum for a second division.

A national second division is gathering steam, and clubs from all parts of Australia may be called to submit their interest by the end of the year.

A newly-formed steering committee will now work towards establishing processes and timelines, after last week’s inaugural meeting.

While still early, the groundswell of interest in the second tier indicates that the number of submissions could exceed the 15 Football Federation Australia received for the recent A-League expansion process, which awarded licenses to Western United and Macarthur Rams.

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The specifics of the second division must still be nutted out by the committee, chaired by FFA board member Remo Nogarotto, but they are collectively determined to launch within years.

Remo Nogarotto is chairing the second division committee.

Football Victoria president Kimon Taliadoros, Newcastle Jets CEO Lawrie McKinna, PFA chief executive John Didulica, NPL clubs’ umbrella group (Australian Association of Football Clubs) chairman Nick Galatas and treasurer Christo Patsan, Women’s Football Council Committee member Sue Crow and Football Federation South Australia president Sam Ciccarello round out the committee.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold and FFA technical director Rob Sherman will be co-opted onto the committee to advise on technical matters, as the search for answers to Australia’s youth development woes continues.

“The first task of the committee is to review the recommendations of the NSD (National Second Division) whitepaper, which was released in June,” Nogarotto said.

Graham Arnold will be co-opted onto the committee.

“(Also to) commence the task of drafting the competition architecture, including a budget, for the national second division, as well as consider an Expression of Interest process and timeline.”

Sherman, who is chairing another review into current player pathways, with the findings to be released next month (September), said player development was pivotal for the future success of Australia’s national teams.

“I’m looking forward to working with the national second division steering committee as we seek to develop the national competition structure,” Sherman said.

The FFA Cup has played a big role in building momentum for a second division.

“A robust competition structure will provide a pathway for not only for players, but for coaches, referees and administrators which will ultimately mean Australian football will be better placed to achieve more success internationally.”

A number of former National Soccer League clubs have expressed their interest in joining the second division, including South Melbourne and Melbourne Knights, along with state league heavyweights.