VICTORIAN YOUTH PREMIER LEAGUE 1 IN 2026

This is an activity report from Rinichi Mikami, founder of Go Zamurai Soccer Academy, on his current role as Technical Director at SouthMelbourne FC during this season.

SouthMelbourne FC is a historic club with a proud tradition dating back to the former NSL, which was once Australia’s top league. Today, the club competes in the top tier of NPL Victoria and, moreover, holds a confirmed place in the upcoming Australian Championship, the newly established National League set to begin in just a few months.

From next season, Football Victoria will launch its highest-level elite youth academy competition (across Junior/Youth NPL space), the Victorian Youth Premier League 1. Based on SouthMelbourne FC's overall results in the 2025 Youth NPL season, together with the association’s evaluation, it has been officially confirmed that their U13 to U18 teams will compete in this new top-tier youth league in the Victoria state from season 2026.

We look forward to seeing Rinichi’s continued contribution and to producing the development of the next generation of players bear great fruit in the years ahead.