By Andriana Simos and Takis Triadafillou
The inaugural Australian Championship was officially launched at Lambert Park, Leichhardt on Tuesday, September 23, marking a historic step towards a more connected, competitive and sustainable national football pyramid.
The launch brought together Football Australia officials, member federation representatives, foundation clubs, NSW Police, sponsors, and a passionate football community.
The new tournament will see 16 clubs – eight Foundation Clubs and eight National Premier Leagues (NPL) champions – battle across six rounds of group matches before a Finals Series culminating in the Championship Final on Saturday, 6 December 2025.
Partnerships and Tickets
Football Australia announced Mitre as the official match ball supplier, ensuring world-class performance throughout the season. Movember was also named the official men’s health charity partner, with initiatives planned across the competition to raise awareness of men’s mental health and wellbeing.
Tickets are now available through official ticketing partner INTIX, priced to make the competition accessible: from $27 premium seats at select venues to just $5 for children under 12.
Football Australia’s vision
At the launch event, Football Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer Heather Garriock described the Championship as more than just fixtures and results.
“The Australian Championship is about more than fixtures and results. It’s about opportunity — for players, for clubs, and for the communities who have always been the heartbeat of our sport,” Ms Garriock said.
“Football Australia worked closely with our Member Federations and clubs to set the right criteria and build the right foundations. This Championship is designed not just to launch well, but to endure — to be part of our football landscape for generations to come.”
Chairman Anter Isaac added: “Football is more than a sport – it’s a shared language and a meeting place. It bridges cultures and communities, connecting people from every background – and has done so in Australia since the very first game in 1875.”
“The Championship both honours that legacy and offers new hope – giving these clubs, and the communities behind them, a national stage once again,” Mr Isaac added.
South Melbourne v Sydney Olympic: A Greek football derby to open the season
The opening round kicks off on Friday, 10 October 2025, with a marquee clash between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC at Lakeside Stadium – reigniting one of Australian football’s most iconic rivalries.
South Melbourne head coach Sinisa Cohadzic told The Greek Herald his side was relishing the challenge: “We want to go all the way. We want to play football that excites people and makes them come and watch. Playing Olympic is exciting and hopefully… we are the ones who are going to win the game.”
Club captain Marco Jankovic echoed the excitement, calling it a massive occasion for the community.
“It’s going to be huge for the Greek community, for our fans, and for [Sydney Olympic’s] fans as well. Both clubs have worked so hard to make this Championship happen, and the first game will be a real battle,” Jankovic said.
On the other side, Sydney Olympic captain Ziggy Gordon described the honour of contesting the inaugural match.
“It’s an honour to play the first match. Right now, we’re focused on preparation and doing what we can to win,” Ziggy said.
Sydney Olympic head coach Labinot Haliti said the historic rivalry added weight to the opener: “It’s something special. As a kid I made my senior debut against South Melbourne, so for me it’s got a real feel to it,” Haliti said.
Heidelberg, tradition and ambition
For Heidelberg United, one of the most storied clubs in Australian football, the Championship offers a chance to return to the national stage after decades of success in state competitions.
Head coach John Anastasiadis said his side was under no illusions about the challenge ahead but was buoyed by fresh signings and the loyalty of the club’s supporter base.
“This is going to be a hard competition. These are old clubs with big history in the game, so every match will be tough. Winning your home games will be crucial, and then pinching points away could take you to the quarter finals. It will be a tough game but we will try our hardest to get past the first game at least,” Anastasiades said.
Heidelberg have added three new players, including 21-year-old prospects and experienced striker Kieran Bramwell, formerly of Perth Glory, to strengthen their squad. For Anastasiadis, though, the key lies beyond tactics.
“The fans are always the 12th player. We’ll need their support,” he said.
Heidelberg player Bul Juach added that the team sees the Championship as both a challenge and a chance to test themselves against the nation’s best.
“I’m excited for this competition. It’s a really good step for Australian football, and it’s a chance for us to challenge ourselves,” Juach said.
The club enters the Championship on the back of strong form, having produced a third consecutive Cupset in August by defeating reigning A-League premiers Auckland 2-0 to book their place in the 2025 Hahn Australia Cup Final.
With their history, depth, giant-killing pedigree and passionate following, Heidelberg loom as a potential dark horse in the competition.
Structure and Fixtures
The 2025 Championship will feature six rounds of group stage matches between 10 October and 16 November, followed by knockout finals starting 22 November. Each round will see eight matches played across three days – a Friday night feature, two Saturday double-headers, and Sunday fixtures including twilight clashes.
Group highlights include:
- Group A: South Melbourne FC, Sydney Olympic FC, Broadmeadow Magic FC, and the Queensland NPL Premier.
- Group B: Marconi Stallions FC, Wollongong Wolves FC, Heidelberg United FC and Tasmania’s NPL Premier.
- Group C: Avondale FC, Preston Lions FC, NWS Spirit FC, and Capital Football’s NPL Premier.
- Group D: Wests APIA FC, Sydney United 58 FC, Metro Stars FC, and Bayswater City FC.
The top two sides from each group will advance to the quarter finals, with seeded Foundation Clubs hosting crossover ties. The Semi Finals will be staged on Saturday, 29 November, ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday, 6 December 2025.
A new era for Australian football
The Championship promises to deliver a blend of tradition and innovation – honouring the legacies of storied clubs while offering new opportunities for NPL champions and young talent to shine.
For South Melbourne’s Jankovic, the message was simple: “We’re here to win it, and we’ll push all the way.”
And for Sydney Olympic’s Ziggy, the focus remains clear: “It’s about preparation, process, and making sure we’re ready. The rest will take care of itself.”
With rivalries reignited and communities engaged, the Australian Championship looks set to carve its place in the nation’s sporting calendar.
