Football Queensland announces new club shield system

Football Queensland has announced a new club shield system which sorts teams into three tiers to provide more clarity for the local community.

Football Queensland has announced a new club shield system which sorts teams into three tiers – National Club Development Program, Skill Acquisition Phase and Youth Academy.

The move to bring in three levels of tiers comes as a way to improve affordability for players, a key strategic focus for Football Queensland.

Football Queensland says that the new visual approach will provide clarity and transparency for the football community – showing exactly where each club sits.

The example of a Tier One Club is given as at least a four star NCDP rating, a gold academy rating and silver SAP rating.

Meanwhile the example of a Tier Two club has a three star NCDP rating, a silver academy rating and a bronze SAP rating.

The example of a Tier Three club has a one star NCDP rating, a bronze academy rating and a silver SAP rating.

The shields will be available by the end of 2020 and will display the club’s tier and ratings for 2021.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said the new shield system will make it easier for parents and players to choose which club to play at.

“With the introduction of these new measures to strengthen accountability, transparency and visibility around how each club is performing across 85 areas, the Club Shield will also serve as a mechanism to ensure participation fees represent value and are as affordable as possible, as clubs will now be assessed accordingly,” he said.

“It’s crucial that Football Queensland continues to take steps that assist parents and players with making informed choices about the club they play at and, equally, clubs that take positive steps, build capacity and make progress with their technical programs can celebrate their success in a meaningful way.

“Forming part of ongoing club assessment through the recently announced FQ Club Development Unit, the Club Shield system is presented as a digital design and will serve as a club ‘snapshot’ of standards based on a three-part measuring system.”

Each club will be able to display their shield on their website and club collateral. The shields will also be able to be viewed on Football Queensland’s website.

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Soceroos and Matildas sue Football Australia over financial dispute

Players of the Socceroos and Matildas have launched legal action against Football Australia over a multi-million dollar dispute relating to their revenue-sharing agreement in the NSW Supreme Court.

According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), are enacting on behalf of the players and are understood to be pursuing a seven figure claim.

The PFA is expected to argue the revenue-sharing agreement between the governing body and national team players is not being fulfilled properly.

The PFA is yet to comment.

But the FA has acknowledged the legal dispute, claiming it is in relation to, “a third party in connection with a separate matter currently being conducted before the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC)”.

‘The Supreme Court’s role is limited to the subpoena process, and its involvement ends once that process is complete,’ an FA spokesperson said.

‘As the NDRC matter is ongoing and subject to confidentiality obligations, Football Australia will not comment further,’ they stated.

In 2023, a collective bargaining agreement was signed between the players’ union and FA. It gave the Socceroos and Matildas stars a portion of the national teams revenue which contributes up to half of FA’s overall earnings.

Additionally, the agreement included incentives for players and FA to work together, allowing both sides the chance to reap even larger rewards.

Registration fees or sponsors for programs that fund grassroots football are strictly prohibited in relation to the players’ cut of revenue. 

However, as long as it relates to the national team the players receive an 18-20 per cent portion of all relevant finances. This could include ticketing, kit sales, broadcast or sponsorship contracts. Through the CBA this money makes its way back to the players.

Matildas icon Lisa De Vanna, who played 150 times for the national team from 2004-19 has already made her opinion heard on there lawsuit via X.

“1 of the best-paid teams in the world, w best elite environments: 40 personal staff,business flights,5 star hotels, private chefs N baristas n still not happy,” she said.

“Instead of knocking game when it’s at its lowest, maybe play for pride n not greed.”

The disagreement comes just before the Socceroos head to the Middle East during the November international break.

With the squad set to be announced later this week, the ill-feeling between players and the governing body will hopefully remain separate from the performances on the pitch.

WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

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