No NPL for City

ROBINA City have ruled out a bid for one of three new NPL Women’s licences as existing clubs air their concerns over Football Queensland’s expansion plans.

Eight months on from collapse of the Coast FC joint venture between Robina and Mudgeeraba, City will ignore the chance for a NPLW second coming to continue a journey that included historic Brisbane Women’s Premier League inclusion this year.

FQ earlier this month announced plans to hand out as many as three new NPLW licences in time for the 2020 season, with applications to close on Friday.

But the move has been met with resistance from the majority of the 13 existing clubs, who joined forces days after the announcement to outline their concerns in a detailed letter to the governing body.

The Bulletin understands there was no involvement from Gold Coast United, who are keen to have a local derby but do not believe there is the depth of talent to sustain a 16team NPLW competition – a concern echoed by rival clubs in the letter to FQ.

“The senior level is not achieving a standard to provide adequate development for players to make the step to WLeague,” the letter, obtained by the Bulletin, read.

“At junior level the standard has fallen year after year due to the dilution of the player base, resulting in clubs selecting players to make up the numbers.

“The FFA’s expressed purpose for the NPL is to pit the best against the best to improve standards. We believe that 10 teams is the maximum number sustainable.”

While Robina are keen to build their female base, president Paul Rushton said the NPLW was not on the radar.

“Robina City has no plans to apply for a NPLW licence for 2020 and will concentrate on the Brisbane Women’s Premier League and junior pathways,” he said.

“When female football on the Gold Coast has grown further in terms of player numbers and depth, the club may consider applying in the future.”