2021 Annual Report released by Football Queensland

FQ

Following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday, 12 June, Football Queensland has released their 2021 Annual Report.

The state’s governing football body was able to deliver a full season of football across all Queensland competitions in 2021 and reported a 41% growth in female participation, despite having to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FQ’s ongoing focus on referee support and development led to the introduction of a number of new initiatives throughout the year including the appointment of seven Referee Coach and Development Officers state-wide, resulting in significant growth particularly in the number of registered female referees which increased by 55%.

A record number of coach development courses and workshops were also delivered throughout 2021, including 19 new club development sessions, as FQ recorded a 21% increase in registered coaches across the state.

In a letter addressed to the state’s football community, FQ’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Cavallucci acknowledged the efforts and successes of those essential to the growth of the world game in the state.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all members of our Queensland football community for your support throughout 2021,” Cavallucci stated.

“2021 was a particularly significant year for female football as we celebrated the centenary season of the women’s game. FQ was delighted to mark this special milestone with an event at the Gabba on the 100-year anniversary of Australia’s first public women’s match which was held right here in Queensland. The release of Football Queensland’s three-year Women and Girls Strategy titled ‘Unlocking The Legacy’ and the launch of the inaugural Kappa Women’s Super Cup tournament also coincided with centenary season celebrations.

“The year also marked a major milestone in the reform journey as we turned a focus to the implementation of the Future of Football 2020+ reforms following the release of the Recommendations Paper in March. In a momentous day for football in Queensland and representing another step towards the implementation of Football Australia’s ‘One Football’ model, the Future of Football 2020+ constitutional reforms were passed with overwhelming support in August.

“A brand new level of support was delivered to clubs and volunteers across the state in 2021 as we launched the highly regarded and well supported Club Support Hub which provided a single destination for clubs to access tailored guides and accompany webinars, retention and recruitment strategies and graphic design assistance.

“On behalf of Football Queensland I’d like to acknowledge the support of Football Australia and the Local and State Governments throughout 2021, a year which marked the eighth consecutive surplus for the organisation.

“Thank you also to the members of our football community across the entire state who contribute to our beautiful game both on and off the field; I look forward to seeing many of you around the grounds in the months to come.”

The full 2021 Annual Report can be downloaded here.

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Queensland Football launches academy for young female stars

Football Queensland has unveiled an innovative development program aimed at nurturing the next generation of female football talent across the Sunshine State.

The FQ Academy Emerging Female Program, launching this February, will provide specialised coaching for girls aged 9-13 under the expert guidance of Football Queensland Academy and Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) technical staff.

The eight-week initiative, operating alongside existing club programs, represents a significant boost to Queensland’s female football pathway.

Players will receive professional coaching focused on fundamental skills development, with sessions designed to complement their regular club training.

FQ Academy QAS Isaka Cernak expressed their support of the new program.

“The launch of this program is an important step in our commitment to developing the women’s game in Queensland, as we aim to support our clubs, coaches, and players who are looking for, or would benefit from additional technical skill development,” Isaka Cernak said via press release.

“The program is designed to complement existing club training, helping players enhance their technical skills and football knowledge during the critical skill acquisition phase of their development, benefiting both the individual player and their club environment.”

The program is also creating opportunities for aspiring female coaches.

FQ General Manager – Football & State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer highlighted this crucial aspect.

“Supporting the growing number of female coaches is critical to the long-term success of the women’s game, and through this program, we are creating more opportunities for current and aspiring female coaches to develop their skills and advance their technical knowledge,” Ganczer commented via FQ official press release.

The initiative aligns with FQ’s ambitious 2024-2026 Women and Girls Strategy, which targets 50/50 gender parity by 2027.

It’s particularly timely as Queensland looks towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with organisers hoping to unearth and develop future CommBank Matildas talent.

Term 1 Key Information:

  • Tuesday, 11 February – Tuesday, 1 April 2025
  • Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
  • 8 sessions per term (1 per week for 8 weeks)
  • Nudgee Recreation Reserve, 290 Elliott Rd, Nudgee
  • Cost: $100
  • Age groups: U9-U13 girls

Football Queensland has indicated plans to expand the program, with further announcements expected in the coming months.

The impressive growth of women’s football in Queensland has been consistently supported through the state’s footballing federation. It is hopeful this program can deliver more opportunities for young girls to advance their development and football ambitions.

Interested participants must register by Friday, 7 February 2025, register for term 1 through the link here.

Football Queensland’s infrastructure proposal for 2032 Olympics

Football Australia and Football Queensland have presented a comprehensive infrastructure proposal for the Queensland Government’s 100-day infrastructure review for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, positioning the sport as a key driver of long-term regional development.

The submission champions a strategic approach that leverages football’s significant community impact, highlighting the sport’s 350,000 active participants across Queensland.

Central to the proposal is a purpose-built Tier 2 rectangular stadium, potentially located at Perry Park, designed to accommodate 17,000 to 20,000 spectators with capacity for an additional 13,000 temporary seats during the Games.

The proposal also includes:

Enhancements to Training Sites

  • Strategic upgrades to Meakin Park’s Queensland State Home of Community Football, creating a versatile multi-sport infrastructure in a rapidly expanding urban corridor.
  • Guarantees FIFA tournament compliance while establishing enduring high-performance facilities for community and elite athletes.

Innovative Regionalisation Approach

  • Champions a decentralised Games delivery model to amplify participation across broader Queensland communities.
  • Introduces collaborative content-sharing and strategic partnerships to bolster regional sporting infrastructure and engagement.

Cost Savings and Value Creation

  • Identifies potential savings and revenue opportunities exceeding $1 billion through optimised venue design.
  • Commits to generating substantive economic benefits and sustainable legacies for Queensland’s diverse communities.

Football Australia Chairman Anter Isaac emphasised the proposal’s broader vision.

“Brisbane 2032 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a legacy for communities across Queensland and across the Asia-Pacific region. Football’s submission aligns with a best for city, state and games, master planned approach with a focus on innovation and sustainability,” Issac commented on FQ official press release.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson also joined in underscoring the stadium’s significance.

“A purpose-built rectangular stadium is critical to addressing the needs of the sport in Queensland. This venue will not only elevate the fan experience but also position Brisbane to host future international tournaments,” Johnson explained via FQ official press release.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci was keen to highlight the grassroots focus that this investment would deliver.

“Football Queensland’s priority is to ensure the benefits of Brisbane 2032 extend to every community in the state. By investing in regional and grassroots infrastructure, this proposal ensures all Queenslanders can be part of the Games’ legacy,” Cavallucci expressed via FQ official press release.

The proposal has garnered support from key stakeholders including the Asian Football Confederation, Oceania Football Confederation, Australian Professional Leagues, Brisbane Roar, and Professional Footballers Australia.

Football Australia and Football Queensland’s approach show a unified football push to try and garner an exciting sporting and footballing spine within the city of Brisbane and wider areas, using innovation and sustainability to enhance a positive prospect.

With a comprehensive vision spanning elite and community levels, football’s Olympic submission represents a significant strategic play for the sport’s future in Queensland.

Read the official proposal from Football Queensland here.

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