Following meetings with the Premier Leagues Standing Advisory Committee, Technical Committee and Club Presidents in August and September, Capital Football has announced the competition structures for National Premier League competitions for 2021.
The 2021 NPLW competition will include eight clubs, reduced from nine in 2020, and will include three premiership rounds (21 matches) plus finals. Clubs will be required to field teams in all age grades (1st Grade, Reserve Grade, U17, U15 and U13).
The 2021 NPL1 competition will include eight clubs with three premiership rounds (21 matches) plus finals. Clubs will be required to field teams in all age grades (1st Grade and U23).
The 2021 NPL2 competition will include eight clubs, reduced from nine in 2020, and will include three premiership rounds (21 matches) plus finals. Clubs will be required to field teams in all age grades (1st Grade and U23).
The 2021 NPLY competition will include two divisions, being division one and division two. Each division will include eight clubs (total clubs across both divisions increases from 13 in 2020 to 16 in 2021). Each division will include three premiership rounds (21 matches) plus finals. Clubs will be required to field teams in all age grades (U18, U16, U14 and U13).
Capital Football CEO Phil Brown said the 2021 NPL competition structures serve the best interests of football.
“The 2021 NPL Competitions structure, with eight-team leagues in the NPLW, NPL1, NPL2, NPLY1 and NPLY2 aligns the formats provided for the most talented and aspiring female and male footballers in Canberra and the capital region,” Mr Brown said.
“In the NPLW, an eight-team format with three rounds increases the number of matches from 16 in the previous structure to 21 matches in 2021, aligning the NPLW competition with the number of matches played in the men’s competitions.
“In the NPLY, dividing the competition into two divisions will result in more competitive “like v like” matches, overcome the performance gap seen in a single 13 team league, and provide opportunities for aspiring clubs to establish themselves and develop in the NPLY2.
“I extend my thanks in advance for the effort clubs will make in applying, and encourage clubs to submit the most compelling case they can for inclusion in the 2021 NPL Competitions.”
Clubs are invited to apply to participate in the 2021 NPL Competitions by completing the 2021 National Premier Leagues Application Form. Applications open 2 October 2020 and close at 11:59pm on Monday 19 October 2020.
Teams invited to compete in the 2021 NPL Competitions will be announced on 30 October 2020.
