Australia Northern NSW Premier League
Valentine Phoenix
Lake Macquarie
Wikipedia - National Premier Leagues Northern NSW
The National Premier Leagues Northern NSW is a regional Australian Professional association football league comprising teams from Northern New South Wales. As a subdivision of the National Premier Leagues, the league sits at Level 1 on the Northern New South Wales league system (Level 2 of the overall Australian league system). The competition is administered by Northern NSW Football, the governing body of the sport in the northern region of the state (the southern region is mostly governed by Football NSW). Prior to 2014, the league was formerly known as the Northern NSW State Football League.
History
The league originally started with 12 teams, all with a first grade, reserve grade and youth grade team. The league was then downsized to 10 teams still with all three grades. For the 2009 season it was decided by Northern New South Wales Football (the governing body) to downsize the league once again to 8 teams in order to improve the quality and give local players a chance to enter the A-league through the competition. The teams competing in the 2009 season were decided on the second of September 2008, with Highfields Azzurri FC and Lake Macquarie City Roosters FC being relegated to the Northern NSW State League Division 1.
Teams were judged on criteria which included facilities/ground (30%), financial status (25%), management (20%), playing strength/coaching staff (15%) and development program (10%). An independent body, chaired by former NSW gaming minister Richard Face, was assigned to make the decision.
From the 2017 season onward the competition once again expanded to 11 teams with Lake Macquarie being promoted from the Northern NSW State League Division 1.
From the 2020 season onward the competition contracted back to 10 teams after Newcastle Jets Youth transferred into the NPL New South Wales structure, now playing in the NPL NSW 4 competition. The reason was because the Newcastle Jets and Northern NSW Football believed that transferring the Youth Jets to the Sydney-centred competition would help develop their youth players.
From the 2022 season onward the competition once again expanded to 11 teams with the inclusion of Cooks Hill United being promoted from the HIT Northern League One.
From the 2023 season onward the competition once again expanded to 12 teams with the inclusion of New Lambton being promoted from the HIT Northern League One.
The tournament features a round-robin format, where teams face off against each other in a series of intense matches. The league is known for its high level of competition, with teams battling it out on the field to secure the top spot and claim the championship title.
The Australia Northern NSW Premier League attracts a large and passionate fan base, with supporters from all over the region coming together to cheer for their favorite teams. The matches are held in state-of-the-art stadiums, providing a thrilling atmosphere for both players and spectators alike.
The tournament not only serves as a platform for showcasing talent but also acts as a pathway for aspiring players to progress in their soccer careers. Scouts and talent spotters from professional clubs often attend the matches, looking for potential future stars to recruit.
The Australia Northern NSW Premier League is known for its fast-paced and skillful style of play, with teams employing various tactical strategies to outwit their opponents. The matches are filled with exciting goals, breathtaking saves, and intense rivalries, making it a must-watch event for soccer enthusiasts.
Overall, the Australia Northern NSW Premier League is a premier soccer tournament that brings together the best talent from the northern region of New South Wales. It offers a thrilling and competitive platform for players to showcase their skills, while also providing an exciting spectacle for fans and supporters.