New Clubs

The New Club Application Process for Season 2026 is now open.

The process to become a new club consists of three (3) steps to be completed between September and December 2025.

Applicants will be guided through relevant steps as per the following link.

Information for the 2027 season will be released in due course.

For any other questions or assistance, please feel free to contact Mo Syafiq via e-mail at clubsupport@footballwest.com.au or via phone on 08 6181 0700.

FAQ's

Why does Football West have a New Club Application Process?

FW supports a thriving football community of approximately 200 clubs and 20 associations across the state. Over 100 of these clubs are based in the Perth metropolitan area. With such a volume and concentration of clubs, great demand is placed on facilities and volunteers. FW’s Building Stronger Clubs initiative prioritises the empowerment of clubs who can provide great experiences for all. This New Club Application Process places great importance on ensuring new clubs can maximise participation opportunities and be set up for long-term sustainable success.

Why is the process split into three steps?

Based on guidance received, the process is designed to be manageable for volunteers, while the sequence of activities prioritises the tasks that need to be undertaken initially such as exploring why the club is needed.

What’s the minimum distance a new club should be located from existing clubs in the future?

Football has experienced impressive participation growth in recent times. This has led to a high concentration of clubs across certain regions such as the Perth metropolitan area. FW has previously required a minimum 5km distance between a new club and existing clubs. The New Club Application Process does not include an arbitrary distance figure to acknowledge that certain high growth communities may be able to sustain multiple strong Clubs. These would require clear evidence-based feasibility meeting the procedural requirements. As a guide, new club applications within 10km of existing clubs are unlikely to be approved unless there is clear need.

If our application is unsuccessful, can we reapply in the future?

It is acknowledged that circumstances may change in the conditions upon which the new club wishes to be considered for and applications are welcomed in any future rounds for FW to review.

Why do we need support from our Local Government?

Across community football, Local Governments are a significantly important stakeholder regarding provision of quality facilities, among many other areas. Support in writing from your Local Government at the necessary step of the process, ensures adequate consultation, capacity and feasibility is being considered. It also sets the tone for a successful relationship moving forward. For applicants who have their own private facility, Local Government engagement is still vital to ensure there is connection with opportunities in your area.

Would our new club need to cater for junior and female pathways?

Clubs that show limited scope for growth or do not provide adequate junior or female development, are unlikely to be approved. We particularly ask new club applicants in Step 2 to become a 1-Star Club Changer club to demonstrate meaningful intent to be inclusive of women & girls.

We have a team or multiple teams but aren’t quite ready to be a stand-alone club. What should we do?

In this scenario, there are certainly options for your team(s) to join an existing club if a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached with them. Starting a club is a significant undertaking, so this option allows your teams to participate while being part of and supported by a broader football club environment.

We want to start a new club but don’t know where we should be located, how can we secure an adequate facility?

By completing Step 1, FW staff can begin to work with you to identify any potential facilities, noting that there are shortages across the metropolitan area.

We have been unsuccessful in our new club application, can we appeal?

All decisions by FW are final. In the interests of supporting participation in football, FW will work with applicants to identify suitable playing opportunities where relevant.