Para Hills West SC and Tea Tree Gully SC have been confirmed as the latest clubs to join the HPG Homes State League 2 in 2027. The Football SA Board finalised the remaining two vacancies at its most recent meeting who will join Para Hills East SC and Sturt Marion Thunder in the competition from next season.
The Senior Men’s expansion commenced in 2025 with the introduction of a North and South Conference system with 8 teams each league. The first year proved extremely successful with a new excitement and anticipation of the restructured competition.
The HPG Homes State League 2 Competition was revitalised by the structure change by providing more local derbies, less travel time for players, and an exciting, never seen before, North v South playoff series for promotion.
This season, more than 1,800 spectators witnessed Pontian Eagles defeat Vipers FC at ServiceFM Stadium in the HPG Homes State League 2 Championship Match, with Pontian Eagles gaining the first promotion position. Vipers FC now have a second chance to redeem themselves and gain that promotion through the play-off series.
The expansion has seen the inclusion of 12 new Clubs including Angle Vale, Adelaide Atletico VSC, Adelaide Titans, Barossa United, Elizabeth Downs, Elizabeth Grove, Ghan United, Para Hills East, Plympton Bulldogs, Salisbury Inter; and now Para Hills West and Tea Tree Gully. All clubs have a commitment to progression, growth and opportunities for their youth.
With Para Hills West SC and Tea Tree Gully SC now confirmed, the expansion of the HPG Homes State League 2 competition comes to a close.
George Georganas, General Manager - Football Operations said:
“The expansion of the HPG Homes State League 2 competition has been an exciting and important phase for Football SA, with the strong interest from Clubs highlighting their growth, ambition and appetite to take the next step within our competitions.
To now reach our target of 12 teams in both State League 2 North and State League 2 South is a significant achievement. Importantly, we have achieved this growth in a measured and sustainable way over three seasons, bringing Clubs into the competition that have demonstrated strong club culture, growth, ambition and a genuine commitment to their long-term development.
Both new Clubs have a proud history and a strong foundation, and we are excited about the contribution they will make to the competition. With the expansion now complete, we have a strong and sustainable competition structure that provides a platform for exciting local rivalries.
Importantly, this also provides Clubs with a clear pathway for their large junior bases to progress into senior semi-professional football, allowing players to develop from youth through to senior level while continuing to represent the same Club and wear the same badge throughout their journey.”
Johnstone Maina, Chairman, Para Hills West SC, shared:
“Para Hills West Soccer Club began as a junior club in 1967, and our foundations have always been built around our kids, their development and providing opportunities for young people in our community.
In 1991, we expanded into senior football to create a pathway that allowed our juniors to grow into adults while continuing to play for the same club. Since then, we have proudly watched generations of juniors progress through our ranks and go on to represent Para Hills West at senior level.
As our club and the surrounding community have grown, so too have the aspirations of our players. Increasingly, we have seen talented teenagers leave the club to pursue Federation football elsewhere, with many players and families asking whether Para Hills West could provide that opportunity at their own club.
Our decision to pursue Federation football represents a significant evolution for Para Hills West, but ultimately it brings us back to the same principle we started within 1967 — creating the best possible pathway for our kids. Our goal is for a young player to be able to start their football journey at Para Hills West, develop and progress through the levels of the game, play competitive senior football and continue representing the club and community they grew up in.
The evolution of Para Hills West continues, but our identity will not change. We will always retain our amateur and EDJSA foundations and remain committed to keeping football accessible and affordable for everyone. This next chapter is about adding another pathway, not replacing what has made our club what it is today.”
Matthew Else, Chairman, Tea Tree Gully SC, shared:
“A proud and exciting moment for Tea Tree Gully City Soccer Club as we officially take the next step into Football SA State League 2 for 2027.
Over recent years, our club has experienced significant growth both on and off the pitch. Following the development of our state-of-the-art facilities at Tilley Reserve, continued growth in participation and the strength of our wider club community, we believe the time is now right to take this step forward.
This opportunity represents the next chapter in our club's journey and provides another pathway for players to represent Tea Tree Gully at state league level.
A huge thank you to the players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, past and present committee members, and everyone who has helped build the foundations that have put our club in this position.
We’re excited for the challenge ahead and look forward to proudly representing Tea Tree Gully in State League 2.”
Ends – for further information please contact GM Football Operations George Georganas – 8340 3088