Football West is pleased to confirm that UWA Nedlands will compete in the NPLWA – Women’s competition in 2024.
They will replace Curtin University.
The decision comes on the back of last year’s comprehensive Women’s Football Review, which saw Football West introduce a promotion and relegation system in the senior women’s competitions for 2023.
Although Curtin University finished bottom of the NPL this season, neither of the teams who finished in the top two of the Hyundai Women’s State League were eligible for promotion. However, Curtin still dropped out of the top tier after they were unable to secure an NPL licence, thus leaving a vacancy in the competition.
In accordance with the NPL Competition Rules (Article 1.16), Football West conducted consultations with the Women's Standing Committee to establish a consensus on filling this gap.
It was collectively agreed that the following principles would determine the suitable candidate for the vacant position:
- Aim to maintain an eight-team league.
- Adhere to the principle of sporting merit to identify the most appropriate candidate.
- Base the Sporting Merit selection on results from the past three years.
- Ensure that the selected club satisfies the NPL Club Licensing Criteria for 2024.
- Make clear that the selected club will be subject to standard regulations and will be eligible for relegation based on their league position and competition rules in 2024.
Football West, along with members of the Women's Standing Committee, were unified in our belief that the principle of sporting merit should guide our decision-making process. It ensures a transparent and fair system that encourages the sustainable development of female football clubs.
This has led to UWA Nedlands being invited to play in the NPLWA – Women’s competition for the 2024 season.
Football West General Manager – Football Perry Ielati said: “Beyond their qualifications based on sporting merit, UWA Nedlands FC demonstrates a strong commitment to the development of female football. They have a comprehensive and strategic plan in place aimed at sustainability and ongoing growth.”