Changes made to Women's Representative Football

Following a consultation with Premier League & Division 1 Women's Club Presidents, the NTFA has implemented a 'transition period' for Women's Representative Football for the 2025 Season.

As the structural change to women’s football has impacted a number of players in this position and whilst it is our preference that they move to a Premier League Club, it is apparent that is not yet occurring.  Therefore, for this year only, we are introducing a transitional approach to women’s representative football.

If a female player is invited to train with the State Team or Premier League Rep Squad and they are a registered Division 1 player, they will be required to play under permit a minimum number of games with a Premier League Club to be able to participate in the talent program. To facilitate this, if a player is asked to join a squad, they must choose a Premier League Club (subject to that club’s agreement) and receive a permit for a minimum number of games.

To be considered for selection in a State or Premier League Rep Team, the permitted player must commit to play a minimum of 2 matches with an absolute maximum of 3 matches for their agreed Premier League Club during the 2025 season. If they wish to play more than 3 Premier League matches, then they must transfer to the Premier League club. A reciprocal permit arrangement will also apply, on a one player for one player only basis, where an existing Premier League player who may miss a game with her Premier League team because of the inclusion of a Div 1 talent pathway player, can play for the Div 1 team if the clubs agree.

As this transitional permit system may impact list management for Premier League clubs, they will have the absolute discretion to choose whether they participate in the transitional program.