2021 Annual Report released by Football Queensland

Football Queensland’s (FQ) 2024 Annual Report, Refine Today, Progress Tomorrow, outlines ambitious goals for the state’s leading team sport. With over 280,000 overall participants and 308 affiliated clubs, the report highlights a year marked by substantial participation growth, expansion of the elite path, and meaningful engagement with Queensland’s diverse footballing communities.

Participation Soars – Especially Among Women and Girls

One of the report’s most noteworthy results is the unprecedented increase in participation, notably in the women’s game. FQ had over 90,000 female participants, a rise generated by the momentum of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and facilitated by FQ’s ‘One Football’ policy, which aims for gender balance by 2027.

FQ’s developmental initiatives, including MiniRoos, Girls United, and Female Football Week, have undoubtedly yielded results, with a 34.4% increase in girl-specific programs and a 26.9% increase in participation for all abilities.

“Football isn’t just a game to me—it’s my passion and my purpose,” said Leif Charlton, a 2024 TAFE Diploma student, illustrating the state’s growing appreciation for opportunity.

From Grassroots to Global – A Connected Pyramid

A properly defined competition environment serves as the foundation for this expansion. The interconnected structure extends from FQPL 3 to the premier NPL Queensland tier, with promotion and relegation promoting competitive integrity. At the same time, new initiatives such as the Kappa Pro Series and the Mitre FQPL Champions League provide more high-performance opportunities, particularly for regional and female athletes.

Football Queensland’s collaboration with Brisbane Roar, particularly through the FQ Academy and QAS alliance, continues to provide career prospects for young talent.

“It’s fantastic to see Brisbane Roar and Football Queensland working together,” said Brisbane Roar A-League Women’s Head Coach Alex Smith.

Queensland’s growing national influence is demonstrated by performances such as the ParaMatildas’ 2024 IFCPF World Championship victory and futsal’s return to the national scene with the NFC held in Queensland after 18 years.

Financially Sound, Strategically Focused

FQ’s finances were solid in 2024, with the 11th straight surplus of $291,505, thanks to prudent leadership and increasing commercial earnings. Revenue increased from $8.8 million in 2020 to over $20 million, allowing FQ to maintain or lower club fees while boosting infrastructure and development assistance.

This disciplined expansion has enabled FQ to address one of its most significant continuing challenges: infrastructure. While state funding per football player still lags behind other codes, notable gains include $6 million for women’s facilities, a $35 million lease on the Nudgee sporting hub, and various council-backed synthetic pitch initiatives.

FQ’s general manager for government relations, Chris Rawlinson, emphasised that the organisation’s lobbying activities in state and federal legislatures are helping transform chronic underinvestment into actual progress.

“We’ve seen real progress in providing better facilities, and the government funding secured has been staggering,” the report noted. 

Coaching, Refereeing, and Safeguarding the Game

FQ also provided more than 2,800 coach education sessions and increased referee development under its 2024-2026 Referee Strategy. This includes the FQ Referee Academy, regional exchanges, and female-specific training.

“Knowing I successfully handled a high-level match like the Kappa Queensland Cup Final has greatly boosted my confidence,” shared referee Nefertiti Kurzelewska.

In addition, FQ has prioritised a safer playing environment by establishing a three-strike penalty to safeguard officials and improve sideline conduct.

Media, Engagement and the Football Identity

In 2024, FQ increased its emphasis on digital interaction and storytelling. Campaigns such as Queensland’s Most Picturesque Ground and the Football in Queensland Awards Night boosted brand visibility across conventional platform as well as social media. Events such as the Queensland Football Convention showcased the state’s emerging football identity, bringing stakeholders together to discuss the game’s future.

Looking Ahead: Operational Plans Driving Strategy

FQ’s successes are based on the developing ‘One Football’ strategy, which has now been translated into tangible action through the recently announced Operational Plans. These plans serve as a road map, matching macro and micro goals for player development, infrastructure, and competition structure.

“When we talk about the One Football Strategy, we’re not just talking about something static,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci noted in the report.

“It’s about evolving with the times and the needs of the football community… actively tracking progress and ensuring we’re making meaningful moves at every level of the game.”

Conclusion: Refining for Tomorrow, Building for All

Football Queensland’s 2024 report makes a convincing argument for the organisation’s future, one founded on equitable growth, elite development, and substantial infrastructure investment. Its outlook is positive.

However, obstacles exist, particularly in bridging regional differences and ensuring long-term infrastructural funding.

Football Queensland is well-positioned, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching and grassroots enthusiasm growing. What is evident is that Football Queensland is not just expanding the game; it is also creating a more connected, resilient, and egalitarian football future for all Queenslanders.