Football Victoria (FV) has confirmed the application process for clubs seeking entry into the 2027 VETO SPORTS State League Men’s (SLM) competition.
Interested clubs can now submit an application for consideration, with all applications required to be completed and submitted by 5pm Friday, October 23rd.
2027 VETO SPORTS State League Men’s New Club Application Form
FV may choose not to fill a vacancy for the 2027 season, and submitting an application does not guarantee entry into the competition. FV also reserves the right to withdraw an application at any time.
Only clubs currently affiliated with FV that competed in FV competitions during the 2026 season are eligible to apply. Clubs already undertaking a new club application process for 2027 are not eligible to apply for a State League Men’s position.
Key Timelines
| Timeline | Date |
| Applications close | Friday 23 October 2026 |
| Application review and interviews | Monday 26 October – Thursday 29 October 2026 |
| Successful clubs formally accepted | Week commencing Monday 2 November 2026 |
| Preliminary SLM league structure notification | To be confirmed, pending the 2027 Declaration of Provisional League Structures |
Application Requirements
Club Overview
- Applicants must outline why they should be accepted into State League Men’s in 2027, including their team’s history and track record in metropolitan or other football competitions, as well as any established junior pathways and plans to expand their programs.
- Clubs must also comply with the FV Membership By-Law and provide details of their existing women’s and girls’ teams, or plans to establish them. Regional applicants may be required to obtain support from the relevant Regional Advisory Panel and acknowledge the regulations governing entry into metropolitan competitions.
Financial Requirements
- Clubs must demonstrate that they have no overdue outstanding debt with FV from the previous two seasons and no overdue debt owed to their local government authority or venue owner.
- Applicants must also acknowledge that all senior and reserves players will be registered through Play Football and fully paid before the commencement of Round 1 of the regular season. Team entry fees must be paid by the applicable instalment deadlines.
Facility Access
- Clubs must provide written confirmation of ground or venue access for the 2027 season from a Council Operations Manager or venue owner.
- Applicants must confirm that their facilities meet the minimum requirements outlined in FV’s Rules of Competition – Schedule 7: Minimum Facility Requirements – Community Competitions, and include an overview of the facility and its amenities. FV may conduct a facility inspection at its discretion.
SLM Team Overview
- Clubs must submit a player list containing the names and FA IDs of players who have confirmed or expressed interest in joining the team if the application is successful.
- The team overview template must include each player’s playing background, position and intended team — seniors, reserves or both.
- Applications must demonstrate a strong indication that the club can field both a senior and reserves team. Clubs must acknowledge that they will field both teams throughout the regular season, with failure to do so potentially resulting in withdrawal from the State League Men’s structure in accordance with the Rules of Competition.
- Clubs must also confirm their participation in the Hahn Australia Cup, which commences in early to mid-February, and acknowledge that all players will be registered through Play Football before the 2027 qualifying rounds.
Coaching Structure
- Applicants must outline their senior and reserves coaching structures, including currently appointed positions, copies of coaching accreditations and Working with Children Checks (WWCCs) for appointed coaches, and plans to fill any vacant positions.
- Clubs that fail to provide all required information will not be considered for inclusion in the 2027 State League Men’s competition.