Football Queensland announce reform at junior level, what impact does it have?

Staff Writer

Football Queensland have announced comprehensive reformat junior level for 2020 as they will commence with the de-coupling of the Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) and the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland junior and senior age groups.

A statement from the Football Queensland can be found here:

Forming part of a comprehensive and ongoing review into the structures and delivery of football competitions across Queensland, Football Queensland (FQ) can confirm the implementation of initial components of the reform will commence with the de-coupling of the Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) and the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland junior and senior age groups.

From the season commencing 2020, the de-coupled 13 -16 years age groups will be allocated separately to senior age groups (U18, U20, First Grade) at each club.

After consultation with clubs earlier this month, the decision has been made in the best interests of junior player development with the promotion and relegation of junior teams no longer decided by the finishing position of the senior team.

The changes will align the Queensland NPL competitions with those of other member federations including the NSW and Victorian NPL. Importantly, this reform strongly considers the stated football objectives of the new FFA Technical Director Rob Sherman.

A Technical Working Group will be established to make recommendations regarding the junior age groups as well as the final competition structure over the coming months. The Technical Working Group will be chaired by an FQ board member and consist of up to four NPL Queensland and four FQPL Technical Directors.

Consultation and input from club administrators will also be sought during the consultation process to support the implementation of the adopted recommendations with the objective to introduce any changes to the competition structure for the 2020 season.

Technical Directors interested in joining the Technical Working Group can express their interest via connore@footballqueensland.com.au by Wednesday, 4 September.

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Premier League clubs record huge losses despite record revenue

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Image Credits: Arsenal FC

A report from Deloitte says Premier League clubs are facing a growing financial challenge after combined pre-tax losses reached $1.8 billion (948 million pounds) in the 2024-25 season.

The figure marks a huge rise from the $258 million (135 million pounds) recorded the previous season. It comes despite clubs generating record revenue of $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds).

Revenue keeps rising

Premier League clubs increased their revenue by 8% during the season. Commercial income and matchday revenue both climbed. Broadcast income also increased. But higher revenue has not translated into stronger profits.

Wage costs rose by $730 million (381 million pounds). Player transfers also played a major role in the rise in losses. Only eight clubs reported an operating profit. That was down from 13 clubs the season before.

Spending drives losses

Transfer spending remains one of the biggest pressures on Premier League finances. Clubs continue to invest heavily to compete for trophies and European places. But those costs can quickly outweigh the extra revenue generated by success.

Net debt also increased. It reached $6.9 billion (3.6 billion pounds) in 2024-25. That was up from the previous season.

The financial pressure is not limited to the Premier League. Only three Championship clubs in the second tier reported a profit.

A warning for English football

The Premier League remains the financial powerhouse of English football. Its clubs generated $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds) in revenue. The Championship generated $1.8 billion (942 million pounds).

But Deloitte warned that football cannot rely on simply adding more matches to create future growth.

European competitions have expanded. The international calendar has also become more crowded. Yet there are concerns that the market could become saturated.

Clubs face tougher choices

The figures highlight a difficult balance for Premier League clubs. They need to spend to remain competitive. But rising wages, transfer fees and debt are putting greater pressure on their finances.

New regulations will also change how clubs manage their spending from 2026 onwards. The focus is now shifting towards sustainable growth and stronger commercial income.

The Premier League remains the richest domestic league in Europe. But these figures show that wealth does not guarantee profit.

For clubs across England’s top flight, financial discipline is becoming just as important as success on the pitch.

NSW Government opens $4.65 million Local Sport Grant Program

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Image Credit: Football Australia

The NSW Government has opened applications for the 2026–27 Local Sport Grant Program, with up to $4.65 million available to support grassroots sporting organisations across the state.

The program will provide grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for incorporated not-for-profit sporting clubs and associations.

Funding is aimed at increasing participation, improving governance and enhancing community sporting facilities.

Applications opened on 27 July and will close at 1pm on 24 August 2026, with successful applicants expected to be announced in December 2026.

The Local Sport Grant Program forms part of the NSW Office of Sport’s ‘Everyone Plays Here’ strategic plan.

The plan is designed to strengthen community sport by supporting initiatives that encourage regular participation and improve long-term member retention.

Funding is also available for projects that reduce barriers to participation and create more inclusive sporting environments, particularly for women and girls, multicultural communities, people with disability, First Nations people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to participation initiatives, the program will support projects that improve the financial sustainability and governance of community sporting clubs, while also investing in the quality, adaptability and environmental sustainability of sporting facilities across New South Wales.

Successful projects must be completed by June 2028, with applicants required to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

The NSW Office of Sport has encouraged eligible organisations to submit applications before the closing date, with grants awarded through a competitive assessment process.

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