Melbourne City FC is proud to confirm its intent to field teams in the NPL Women’s and U20 competitions from the 2026 season onwards, marking the launch of the Club’s first-ever Women’s Academy pathway.
Since entering the A-League Women’s competition in 2015, Melbourne City has been a leader in driving professionalism and standards across women’s football in Australia.
The Academy will help create a clearer pathway for aspiring Matildas, building on the Club’s strong track record of player development, with current City stars Holly McNamara, Leah Davidson, Laura Hughes and Alexia Apostolakis all earning national team debuts.
The establishment of a Women’s Academy represents a historic first for the Club, providing a dedicated pathway for talented young female footballers to progress from grassroots through to the elite level in City blue.
The new Academy will be based at the City Football Academy in Casey Fields, ensuring players have access to the same world-class facilities and high-performance environment as City’s A-League Women’s and Men’s squads.
Until now, the Club has been working closely with Football Victoria to establish the right framework for participation in Victoria’s NPLW competitions, all while remaining committed to the growth of female football.
In recent years, Melbourne City has invested in alternative pathways such as the Melbourne City Football School and introduced dedicated Female Select Squads, creating more development opportunities for young players across the state.
The creation of a Women’s Academy will now provide the perfect bridge between City Football Schools and the A-League Women’s team, mirroring the pathway that has long existed on the men’s side.
Melbourne City FC CEO Brad Rowse said:
“This is a historic moment for our Club and one we are incredibly proud of. Since day one, Melbourne City has been committed to raising the bar for women’s football in Australia, and the launch of a Women’s Academy is the next step in that journey.
“By creating a clear pathway from grassroots to elite, we can now provide young female players with the same opportunities their male counterparts have enjoyed for years. This is about investing in the future of the women’s game, and we’re excited to help nurture the next generation of City stars.”
The addition of City’s NPLW and U20 teams from 2026 will further strengthen the women’s football landscape in Victoria, providing more opportunities for aspiring young players to develop and compete at the highest level.
