Football Victoria (FV) wishes to provide the following update on the VETO SPORTS State League Women's (SLW) 2026 season following the recent in-season elevation of Doreen United SC, Bendigo City FC and Hume City FC.
Following careful consideration of opening round, preseason and cup competition results which saw some considerable one-sided results throughout the State League Women's Competition, FV has made the below decisions:
- Doreen United SC elevated from SLW 4 North-West to SLW 3 North-West
- Bendigo City FC elevated from SLW 7 North-West to SLW 4 North-West
- Hume City FC elevated from SLW 7 North-West to SLW 4 North-West
- SLW 3 North-West now becomes a 10-team league
- SLW 4 North-West now becomes a 10-team league
- SLW 7 North-West now becomes an 8-team league and has been re-fixtured
This change allows for the elevation of both Bendigo City FC and Hume City FC from SLW7 North-West to SLW 4 North-West, creating a 10-team League.
This decision was made with the interests of maintaining the integrity and competitiveness of the State League Women's 7 North-West Competition.
SLW7 is designed to cater largely for developing and beginner level players.
The inclusion of both Bendigo City FC & Hume City FC, who entered the competition in line with the Rules of Competition, have both entered with squads that include a number of players with experience in the FV Academy and NPLW pathways, contributing to the disparity in performance levels.
With participant experience, safety, enjoyment and retention the number one priority, FV is confident that having the ability to make this change via vacancies and league expansion, will deliver an improved football experience across leagues.
With improved football outcomes for all as the goal, FV will embark on a comprehensive review of the Community Senior Women's Football pyramid in 2026, ahead of the 2027 season. This review will ensure appropriate grading, alignment and structure across all levels moving forward.