A lot of opinions have been shared recently about a new national second division.
We have heard from those opposed to the idea. The main argument against it seems to revolve around financial considerations.
The costs of competing in a national competition are much higher, and the cost of growing into a fully professional league are significant.
Some who are opposed think that the public are not ready to support a second division. This is an argument I can well understand. Very few countries have succeeded in this.
England have. The Championship is a very competitive second tier. Bundesliga 2 is also strongly supported. These two examples show that it can be done, but the experience of many other countries show that crowds are low.
Crowds are very important for a second tier. Without interest being shown by people watching, there will be little media coverage, and certainly, no television coverage of matches. If that does not happen, there will be only small revenue from commercial sponsors.
Those who support a second division have produced a range of arguments. Some have suggested that FFA could pour in several million dollars per year out of the next A-League TV deal. At the same time we are reading articles about having an independent A-League commission that has the goal of keeping more of the A-League TV deal for the A-League clubs.
There are also those who suggest that if we do not have a national second division, we will not see promotion and relegation.
One thing I have noticed in the discussions is that many people are unaware of what we have now.
We actually have a national second division operating already. The National Premier League (NPL) is the national second tier competition in Australia.
The NPL operates in each member federation under a single national banner, with the aim to:
– Create greater consistency across the member federation top leagues across Australia with application of accreditation criteria;
– Be a development pathway for players and coaches, implementing the National Curriculum;
– Raise overall standards in club management;
– Improve the financial and commercial position of state leagues and clubs.
The NPL operates on a state conference system, which culminates in the national NPL finals Series at the end of each season involving the league premiers of each Member Federation’s NPL division.
The grand final of the National Premier League is being played this weekend on Sunday 2 October 2016.
Sydney United 58 FC v Edgeworth Eagles
Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park NSW
Kick-off: 2:30pm AEDT
There is a live stream available if you cannot get to Edensor Park. Go here or watch on a Sony Playstation 4.
This is the opportunity to watch two of the best second division teams in Australia.
It may also help with any ideas you have about what can be done to grow the second tier of football in Australia.
Jeff Williamson
Roar Pro
Sydney United are the National Premier Leagues champions with a 4-1 win over Edgeworth Eagles. Thanks for all the comments.
deathG
Guest
and yet the A2 will be more successful than the NRC
deathG
Guest
if we're going with ten, does this include WIN?
AZ_RBB
Guest
I swear this is like the 5th or 6th time someone has "accused" me of that in the last few months. I went to 20 A-League matches last year. Not changing any time soon.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Huh? Since when did I give up on the A-league, news to me. You must have me confused with Nordster.
Lionheart
Guest
But all they did was cut Sydney and nearby teams and gave them their own comp, everyone else travels.
Lionheart
Guest
I thought you gave up on the A League RRB? and moved to EPL. But yes, should be a good season, if we can control MCY.
Bondy
Guest
Thanks for the links lads , interesting ...
AZ_RBB
Guest
That'll be bigger than ADP and Cahill combined.
Paul
Guest
http://s21.postimg.org/9puhx7oh3/Ctjt0_C_Uk_AESVWs.jpg
paul
Guest
Has anyone costed a second division? I would imagine that there would would have to be 2 conferences to minimise costs for flights. I would add that promotion/relegation requires 2 criteria. The first is performance; the second and just as important is meeting the standard forbeing an A-league club in financial and structure. I don't think any NPL club is capable of meeting the second requirement. in any case, FIFA have told FFV that they back the FFA in relation to the timetable for introducing promotion/relegation. i would rather see 2 new A-league franchises in the next 4 years with expanded squads from the new TV deal. The money from the TV deal to be used to reduce fees for grassroots football (reduction of state federation fees) as well as to fund the W-league.
Waz
Guest
lol. I wonder if the real FUSS will reemerge :)
Waz
Guest
Jeff, the limit on number of games is not the reason the NYL was cut back (that was cost of travel). And the number of games recommended for young players each year is 40+ and we're giving them about 25 or so
pete4
Guest
But in the USA 3rd division (USL) a great story is FC Cincinnati. They average 18k crowds and are being talked about now for MLS entry when it expands to 28 teams. So lower divisions do the job and allow clubs to get noticed
AZ_RBB
Guest
Now might be the time for a second division But next week will be time for the best league in the world to kick off again. Round 1 can't come soon enough. The Derby anticipation is killing me. We've been nice enough to each over the last 4 months. I have a feeling the climate around here might be changing pretty soon :D
Nemesis
Guest
I've also heard same push for national league from: Bentleigh Greens, Hume City, Heidelberg, Melbourne Knights
Lionheart
Guest
fair enough Jeff, thanks. They get a fair break at present.
Jeff Williamson
Roar Pro
NPL clubs have different views on a national competition. Many think that the present NPL program works well. But they do want more investment in the NPL structure. As Nemesis noted, there are a number of NPL clubs who want a national competition. South Melbourne and Sydney United are among those who have spoken out recently.
Jeff Williamson
Roar Pro
They cut down NYL because all NYL teams are now entered into NPL comps. There is a limitation on how many competitive matches youth league players are supposed to play in a year.
Lionheart
Guest
There is the NYL, and I think most clubs put their NYL team into the NPL. There's a rule too, that does allow up to 4 senior players to play in the NYL as guests, within some limits. Personally, I think the NYL is ignored too much. Why did we reduce the season length and cut it into two regions? Officially it was to cut travel expenses but then they grouped SYD. NEW and CBR together, and the rest ranging from Perth to Brisbane. So much for that theory.