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FFA launches Skills Hub for its #PlayatHomeChallenge
Football Queensland (FQ) has celebrated a successful year of player development in the Northern region across youth and junior football through the FQ Academy.
The FQ Academy is Queensland’s only recognised way for players to achieve state and national team representation and showed significant progress over 2024. The Northern region covers some of Queensland’s rural major hubs, including Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr and Ingham.
In the Northen region, over 150 players participated in the FQ Acadamy across the U9 to U16 age groups, illustrating the influence of adopting Football Australia’s latest national technical standards.
The success of the FQ Academy in the Northern region was further embellished through the selection of 10 local players in Queensland state teams, to compete at the Girls and Boys National Youth Championships in Melbourne and Wollongong.
FQ General Manager, Football & State Technical Director, Gabor Ganczer, expressed his joy for the achievements in the Northern region.
“2024 has been a tremendous year for football in the Northern region, with significant strides in player development as the FQ Academy continues to play a pivotal role in providing young athletes with access to world-class coaching and competitive platforms that continue to raise the standard of football in the region,” he said via press release.
“The progress seen throughout the region is the result of a sustained, long-term approach to player development, with a focus on upskilling coaches and equipping clubs with the tools and resources they need to ensure all players are supported at every stage of their journey.”
FQ Senior Manager, Technical (Northern Conference), Michael Edwards applauded the work of the FQ Academy.
“The inclusion of local players in the Queensland state teams highlights the significant impact of the continued investment in Northern football programs, helping to elevate talented athletes to elite levels of competition,” he said in a press release.
“The foundation we’ve laid this year, with the FQ Academy at the forefront, will not only set the stage for greater success in the years to come but also drive the continued growth of football in the Northern region and beyond, ensuring clear and accessible pathways for all players to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.”
Football Queensland remains committed to developing the level of coaching skill and to enhancing player development in the Northern region in 2025 and beyond.
Football Australia applauds the ASC’s historic $385 million investment to boost high-performance and participation through the “Win Well” and “Play Well” programs.
This funding underscores the vital impact of sport in Australian communities and enhances pathways from grassroots to elite levels.
Football Australia is delighted to receive $6,319,500 in funding for the period from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Win Well funding: $5,379,000
Play Well funding: $940,500
This marks a 25% boost in high-performance funding from the previous cycle, reinforcing football’s status as Australia’s favourite team sport and its expanding impact both on and off the field.
This investment will enhance Football Australia’s efforts to develop the game across all levels. The Win Well funding will back high-performance programs, equipping the Subway Socceroos, CommBank Matildas, CommBank ParaMatildas, CommBank Pararoos, and Youth National Teams for global success.
It also fortifies talent pathways, coaching, and advancements in sports science and medicine.
The Play Well funding emphasises grassroots development, fostering inclusive participation, and ensuring safe, welcoming spaces for players, coaches, and volunteers nationwide. As Australia’s largest participation sport, football has seen remarkable growth in women’s and girls’ involvement, driven by the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson commended the Australian Government’s dedication to sport and emphasised its positive impact on football.
“This record investment from the Australian Government is a testament to the power of sport to inspire and connect our communities,” he said via press release.
“The increased funding through the Win Well program will enhance our ability to compete on the global stage, while the Play Well program enables us to bring the joy of football to more Australians, ensuring inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments for all.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon Anika Wells, and the Australian Government for their unwavering support and belief in the future of Australian football. This funding will empower us to build on the incredible momentum of our game, uniting Australians through football and preparing our athletes for success on the road to Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.”
Football Australia is dedicated to achieving excellence in sport and increasing opportunities for all Australians to participate in the world’s most popular game.
