Football Victoria (FV) has completed a thorough review of the FV Academy Girls’ program and can today confirm the model for the program from 2026 onwards.
From 2026, the FV Academy Girls program will focus on supporting players up to the age of 15. These players will compete in FV-sanctioned competitions that offer the strongest environment for growth and development.
From age 16, most players will be ready to transition out of the FV Academy and into club programs. This transition introduces new challenges designed to test their abilities and guide them through the next stage of their development.
We are pleased to share that from 2026, with the support of FV, both Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City have confirmed their intention to field teams in the NPLW and Under 20s, creating exciting new opportunities for girls aged 16-23 to continue their football development in a professional club environment. Western United have also expressed interest and will determine their involvement in the coming weeks.
These programs will not only provide a bridge into senior football but also open the door for younger players to train alongside and learn from A-League Women’s talent. FV is confident these environments will also provide further avenues to showcase Victorian talent and unlock opportunities within Football Australia’s Under 17 and Under 20 National Team programs.
As part of this transition, Football Victoria will not enter U20 or NPLW teams from 2026. Instead, our role will be to support players as they transition into the next stage of their pathway, whether that be with A-League clubs, established NPLW/advanced programs or other football opportunities. FV will also continue to be responsible for talent identification for state teams, working with all clubs to build a comprehensive player database and ensure the best talent across Victoria is identified for selection.
Promotion and relegation in the NPL Women’s competition will remain unchanged, with the inclusion of A-League clubs to expand the competition and provide additional matches and minutes for all players.
The FV Academy’s NPLW program (formerly NTC) has been at the heart of female player development in Victoria for more than a decade. It has produced a wealth of talent, including players who have represented the CommBank Matildas and forged professional careers both domestically and abroad. This legacy will forever be part of Victorian football history.
FV Interim CEO, Dan Birrell reflected on the changes to the program.
“We understand this news will be disappointing for the impacted players who have proudly called the FV Academy home.
“But while this chapter is closing, a new one is beginning, allowing us to work together with A-League and NPLW clubs to create greater and additional opportunities for more Victorian players to grow, compete and excel at the highest level.”
Football Victoria is immensely proud of the resilience and achievements of every player who has been part of the FV Academy and will continue to work tirelessly to support the football journeys of the next generation.