Chudiar Tharjiath, Leighton Lauton and Alex Baker have been training with the club for the last month as it gears up for the 2021 campaign.

They hope to be a part of the club's new National Premier League three squad, which was announced by Western United last week.

"That's the goal, to get into the NPL side," Baker said.

"You can only hope and do the best you can in training."

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All three were in uniform for Western United for its preseason clash with Melbourne City on Saturday in Ballarat. They sat on the bench during the club's 3-2 loss at Morshead park.

Baker said it was exciting to be involved in the match.

"Even though we didn't get on, it was great being part of a game day, and getting to learn as much as we can," he said.

The trio last played for Ballarat City in the 2019 NPL2 campaign, and were set to return in 2020 before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19. If successful with United, they might play against City in the upcoming NPL3 season.

"We were originally playing for Ballarat City and, just through contacts, got a phone call and were asked to come down for a trial," Baker said.

"It's been unreal so far."

Lauton, whose older brother Brandon plays for Melbourne Victory, said it was good to be playing in a professional environment.

"When I got picked up in this squad he (Brandon) sent me a message to say good luck," he said.

Western United chairman Jason Sourasis said the addition of an NPL program was a momentous day for United and football in the west.

"Creating pathways and growing the game of football in the west is what Western United is all about; we're here to build a strong football club that provides opportunities for every footballer in the west," he said.