By Andrew Bishara (@_andrewbishara) 

Box Hill United is set for an exciting new era of football in the National Premier Leagues (NPL), according to president Alex Palmos.

The club will have its men’s team debut in the second-tier NPL 1 division today and believes that the league will prosper with the new standards.

“The NPL clubs will have to improve their own level of professionalism, and maintain the minimum standards set by the FFV,” Palmos said.

“Via the introduction of a director of coaching, increasing our medical and fitness staff and recruiting the best possible coaches, Box Hill United looks set for an exciting new era of football.”

Palmos said the national second-tier competition would enhance the quality of Victorian clubs, thanks to its focus on development.

“The introduction of the NPL will definitely give Victorian soccer, and Australian soccer, the boost it so needs,” he said.

“With the increased level and competence required for coaches among the NPL teams, the education and development the boys will get will further enhance each boy’s dream to play in the A-League and hopefully for the Socceroos.”

Palmos has said that while the transition from the Victorian Premier League to the NPL involved an “onerous amount of paperwork”, the desired structure of the new league “almost exactly mirrors what we at Box Hill had already”.

When questioned about how the club’s senior men’s team would perform in the new division, Palmos said that the team’s unity, thanks to the experienced coaching staff, would see the title within its grasp.

“If we remain free from injuries we will win the title. I have no doubt about that,” he said.

“They [senior men’s team] have got a fantastic head coach in Arthur [Georgiou] who has got the boys playing the most attractive football in the state, as well as two excellent assistants in Greg [Kassidas] and Daryl [Roberts].

“The bulk of the playing group have played together for a few years now and they have a real special bond and mateship going.

“We have the best coaches in place to devise a game plan week by week to beat any opposition, and with the quality of our men, they can execute it to perfection.”

Box Hill kicks off its NPL 1 campaign away to Richmond at 3.15 today. Head to NPL Victoria’s official Twitter (@nplvictoria) for live updates, and join in the conversation using the hashtags #RSCvBHU and #NPLVIC.

Pictured: Box Hill United's new NPL kits (image credit: Box Hill United)