Capital Football announce restructure of Premier League competitions

The decision was made to help alleviate the performance gap between the top and bottom teams, providing a more competitive environment for players to develop in.

All Premier League seasons (NPL1 and NPL2 for men, NPL1 for women) will align and consistent of 21 rounds, with each team to meet three times before finals.

It means, however, one team will be cut from the NPLW and NPL2 competitions respectively, with the application process to take place over the coming weeks.

A decision will be made by the Capital Football board at their next meeting in late October.

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Nominations will be assessed by their recent performances, including their ability to field teams across age grades and number of forfeits. The qualifications of assigned coaches will also be considered, as well as the club's football development plans.

The Monaro Panthers (NPLW) and Narrabundah FC (NPL2) could be on the chopping block after claiming this year's wooden spoon in their respective competitions. Both teams also finished eighth last season.

The reduction to eight teams will see the competitions align with the top men's league, with Capital Football boss Phil Brown saying it'll provide equity across the board.

"It's consistent across the board in terms of teams in the competitions, rounds and matches. The NPL1, NPL2 and NPLW will all have the same number of games and amount of opportunity," Brown said.

"The women's teams will play more matches which is good for their development and puts them at the same format, and standard, as NPL men's."

The NPL1 men's competition will retain its structure, but promotion and relegation will be phased in from next year into 2022.

The Youth League will align under the senior competition's in terms of season length and structure. The 13-team competition will be split into two divisions, with eight teams to compete in each.

It means the Youth League will be expanded to include three more teams, helping aspiring clubs establish themselves against competitors of similar standards.

"There was a stark difference in the level across the NPLY, in that last season we had some teams with goal differences over minus-100," Brown said.

"So, it was clear their development was not being serviced by the league and reduces the enjoyment of participation. By splitting the league into two, we plan to provide more like-for-like matches for players as they develop.

"By creating a second division, it enables aspiring clubs who might not yet had an opportunity to enter the NPLY, develop and grow their program at a level that is more attuned to where they are. Rather than coming in and playing against the seasoned NPL clubs that have had their programs running and successful for some time.

"It's about making a more competitive league so that players are challenged every week, that's where they grow and develop as players."

Meanwhile, ACT Health has granted Capital Football an exemption to have 200 spectators at Deakin Stadium for Sunday's NPL2 grand finals.

Yoogali FC and the Wagga City Wanderers will meet in their maiden NPL2 decider, with the latter to also face ANU in the under-23's.