Football Victoria (FV) is currently accepting applications for the 2027 season.
2027 New Club Application Process
Ready to Kick Off? Here’s How:
Step 1: Club Overview, Facility and Current Membership
- Submit by: 13 September 2026
- Notification by FV: 21 September 2026
Step 2: Compliance
- Submit by: 11 October 2026
- Notification by FV: 19 October 2026
Step 3: Competitions
- Submit by: 1 November 2026
- Notification by FV: 13 November 2026
Final Notification: Approved or denied applications will be announced on 27 November 2026.
Start Your Journey - New Club Application
For any questions or assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the FV Member Services Team at members@footballvictoria.com.au or call us at 03 9474 1866
What is a Club?
FV regularly receives new club applications from entities that are not clubs. The information below will help you determine if you are a Club that would be considered for affiliation under the New Club Application process.
A football club is an organisation formed to enable people to participate in, develop, administer and/or compete in football. The important distinction is that a sports club is more than a team: it has an ongoing organisational structure, membership, governance and responsibility for sporting activities
A football club will typically:
- Have access to a regular facility (a home) to build a community and membership.
- Have a defined membership of players, coaches, officials, volunteers and/or supporters.
- Operate on an ongoing basis, rather than only for a single event or season.
- Have a governing body or committee responsible for the organisation.
- Provide opportunities for people to participate in a football.
- Enter teams or individuals into competitions, leagues or events.
- Have responsibility for matters such as registration, conduct, safeguarding, finance and administration.
- Operate under a constitution, rules and governance framework.
- Have an identifiable club name, identity and purpose.
- Have a responsibility for its members and activities.
What is not a Club?
Not every organisation, team or business involved in football is a Football Club. For the purposes of affiliation with Football Victoria, a Club should be a genuine, ongoing, member-based sporting organisation with appropriate governance, accountability and responsibility for its members and football activities.
The following entities would not ordinarily be considered a Football Club:
- A single team: A team may be part of a club but doesn't necessarily have independent governance or membership.
- A private coaching business: Provides sporting services but operates as a commercial service provider rather than a member-based club where the members can vote at an AGM every year.
- A private for profit football academy: An academy may develop players without being responsible for a club's broader sporting, governance and competition activities and allowing members to participate in the direction of the club.
- A representative squad: A representative team may be selected for a particular competition or purpose without being an independent club.
- A competition organiser: An organisation running competitions cannot be a club.
- A social or cultural group: People playing sport together socially does not necessarily create a formal sports club.
- An event organiser: Organising a tournament or sporting event is different from operating a club.
- A venue or facility operator: Owning or operating sporting facilities does not make an organisation a sports club.
- A business selling sporting products: Sporting activity is incidental to its commercial purpose.
- A school or university team: Provides sporting participation but does not necessarily constitute an independent community sports club.
What is a great Football Club?
A great Football Club brings people together through football, connection and a shared sense of belonging. It provides safe, inclusive and enjoyable opportunities for children, young people and adults to participate in the game—whether through formal Football Victoria competitions, grassroots programs or informal social football that strengthens community connections.
A great Football Club is built on strong governance, integrity and a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its members. It creates an environment where every participant feels welcomed, respected, supported and valued. The club takes responsibility for creating a culture where safeguarding is embedded in everything it does and where everyone understands their role in keeping the football environment safe and positive.
A great Football Club is powered by its people. Volunteers, coaches, administrators, parents, players and supporters all contribute to the life of the club. Their time, energy and commitment help create a welcoming environment where people can participate, contribute and develop. A great club recognises and values the contribution of its workforce and creates opportunities for people to be involved both on and off the field.
A great Football Club is part of the heartbeat of its local community. It celebrates diversity, embraces inclusion and respects the history and traditions that have shaped its identity, while remaining open to new people, ideas and experiences. It welcomes new families, builds connections across the community and creates a place where people can meet friends, form lasting relationships and feel that they belong.
A great Football Club leads through its values and actions. It promotes teamwork, respect, integrity, fairness and safety, and expects these values to be reflected in the way people behave on and off the field. It recognises that the culture of a club is shaped by how people treat one another and actively works to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Most importantly, a great Football Club contributes to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of its community. It provides a place where people can be active, have fun, build confidence, develop friendships and be part of something meaningful. It creates a culturally safe and welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds and abilities can participate, connect and feel that they truly belong.
A great Football Club is more than a collection of teams - it is a community.