By ADEM SARICAOGLU
FIVE clubs from Melbourne’s West have been offered licences to join the new National Premier Leagues Victoria competition.
Former Victorian Premier League giants Melbourne Knights and Green Gully will join State League One clubs St Albans, Sunshine George Cross and Werribee City – who have all been invited to join the new league set to be rolled out for the upcoming season.
Altona Magic and Western Suburbs are the two notable former SL1 clubs that have not been offered an NPL license.
Last week Football Federation Victoria announced the 30 clubs and entities that will most likely form the Victorian NPL competition.
Each club is now required to confirm their participation by Wednesday next week.
The FFV has not yet released details on the structure of the league, but an announcement is expected to be made in coming days.
The final fixture has been slated for a 26 February release.
FFV president Nick Monteleone acknowledged the clubs’ efforts in applying for a spot in the new league after what has been a troubled six months for the federation and the local game.
“FFV recognises the tremendous level of effort and resources required to produce an NPL submission,” Monteleone said.
“All applicants should be congratulated for their dedication in submitting an application. I would like to also thank the assessment panel for its hard work reviewing all 37 applications.
“The NPL will have a positive impact on players, coaches and club development across all of Victoria.”
Liam Bentley has been appointed Head of NPL Victoria.
