Inglewood is in a league of its own

The club was one of 12 selected to join the league starting next year, which aims to raise the standard of soccer in WA and Australia.

Perth Soccer Club was also chosen for the competition.

Inglewood United president Luke Martin said the club’s admittance into the league was based on its focus on developing its junior program.

The governing body, Football West, also highlighted this factor as a determining reason for allowing the club into the league, with eight other clubs not accepted.

‘Being a part of the NPL means we have the opportunity to invest back into the game, structure our development and talent identification programs,’ Martin said.

‘From a junior perspective all of our coaches will be accredited, we will also have a technical and football director.

‘We want to develop players and prepare them for future involvement in the sport and club.’

The NPL started this year with teams competing in Queensland, NSW, SA, Tasmania and ACT as the competition below the A-League.

Victoria and northern NSW will join WA in starting in the competition next year.

Perth Glory will field a team in the WA competition, in junior and senior ranks.

Martin said the competition would help its elite players, but the club was also focused on ensuring all players could be developed and accommodated whatever their skill level.