Premiers Broadmeadow will have the honours of kicking Northern NSW Football into a new era when they host Adamstown in the first ever match of National Premier Leagues Women at Magic Park on March 18.
NNSWF's top-flight women's competition will transition to NPL status in 2022, with the eight Herald Women's Premier League clubs offered licences.
Magic finished top of the table in a COVID-shortened season this year and coach Jake Curley said the club would be pushing for a repeat performance as well as the championship.
Broadmeadow have lost leading scorer Ash Brodigan, who has earned herself a Jets contract in the A-League Women's then will be playing in NSW NPLW, and former W-League midfielder Koby Ferguson to a knee injury.
Curley has otherwise retained the bulk of his squad. That includes game-changing goalkeeper Alison Logue and former Junior Matildas striker Lucy Kell, who was a clear stand-out in the competition when she made a playing return after two knee reconstructions.
"Overall our squad is probably stronger and I'm fairly confident," Curley said.
"Ash is a loss but we've picked up a couple of good signings and others players need to step up."
In other round-one matches, Newcastle Olympic play Charlestown Azzurri, Warners Bay host New Lambton and Maitland meet Mid Coast.
Azzurri have signed 11-times capped Matilda and long-serving Jets left-back Gema Simon.
Jets trio Cassidy Davis, Tara Andrews and Lauren Allan return from NSW NPLW to play for Warners Bay in a boost for the club and competition.
NNSWF general manager football operation Liam Bentley said NPL status was a significant step as the governing body grow the women's game with scope for future expansion.
"The transition will aim to raise the bar on and off the field and be the next step in improving the environment and pathway for female players developing in our region," Bentley said.
NPL Men's premiers Lambton host Maitland in the opening round of their competition at Arthur Edden Oval on March 4. The match will be a stand-alone fixture kicking off at 7pm, with reserve grade and under 18s to be played the next day.
Maitland were second, one point behind Lambton, when the 2021 season was halted.
Also in round one, newcomers Cooks Hill make their NPL debut against Adamstown, Olympic meet Weston, Edgeworth host Valentine and Magic take on Lake Macquarie. Azzurri have the bye.
Northern League One starts on April 2 with premiers New Lambton hosting Wallsend. Thornton play Singleton, Cessnock City face Toronto Awaba, Kahibah meet West Wallsend and Belmont Swansea United battle South Cardiff in other round-one clashes.
