Football Queensland expands Coach Education Network statewide

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed the expansion of the Coach Education Tutors (CET) program. This initiative emphasises a developmental focus on rural and urban communities across the state to benefit high-quality coach and player development.

FQ now has over 40 CETs in grassroots and foundation courses. The addition of eight new C Diploma and four new B Diploma tutors will be a cornerstone of FQ’s 2023-2026 One Football Strategic plan and FQ’s 2024-2026 Game Development Strategy.

The benefits of the expansion of the CETs program are as follows:

  • Amplify the quality of coaching across Queensland
  • Talent development support has increased
  • Enhance player experience through access to qualified coaches
  • Mentorship opportunities are available to new coaches

FQ General Manager – Football and State Technical Director, Gabor Ganzcer, spoke about the increase in the CET program and its benefits for FQ’s long-term success in development.

“By providing quality training and upskilling opportunities, we foster a culture of excellence that resonates across all game levels. Every coach plays a crucial role in delivering a top-tier experience, and we are dedicated to equipping them with the best training available,” he said in a press release.

“Expanding our network of CETs will not only enhance the quality of coaching across the state but also enrich the overall experience for players as access to more qualified coaches will empower our community and help nurture the next generation of football talent.”

Football Australia’s established interview process and thorough screening of new CETs ensure a high-quality football experience for more participants. Capitalising on modern technology and an updated learning/training program to upskill tutors, FQ will provide high standards of football education in regional and metropolitan Queensland communities.

FQ Technical Director – Coach Development, Davide Bartamini, highlights the strengthening of the community coaching framework.

“Additionally, with the latest accreditations, we now have 21 CETs qualified to deliver ‘C’ Diploma courses and four new ‘B’ Diploma CETs, bringing the total number of ‘B’ Diploma tutors to seven. This expansion, which includes representatives from regional areas, underscores our commitment to making football education accessible throughout Queensland and enhancing mentorship opportunities for coaches.”

The enhancement of the CET program will send representatives to rural grassroots areas, focusing on statewide development. Making football accessible throughout Queensland and providing ample developmental initiatives to increase talent and participation are key long-term strategies for the state.

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Western United ruled out of 2026–27 A-League season

Western United’s participation in the A-Leagues has officially been terminated, ending the club’s immediate pathway back into Australia’s professional football competitions.

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) terminated Western United’s Club Participation Agreement on Monday, following months of discussions over the club’s future.

The decision comes after Western United’s attempt to secure a return to the A-League for the 2026–27 season was unsuccessful. Football Australia had previously determined that the club did not meet the requirements to retain its licence.

Western United has now turned its attention towards rebuilding the organisation under new ownership, with the club targeting a return to the A-League for the 2027–28 season.

In a statement, Western United said the termination creates an opportunity for “new custodians, new investment and a fresh start”, while emphasising the importance of maintaining the club’s identity in Melbourne’s west.

The club’s financial problems have been a major issue over the past two years with the club being placed into a conditional hibernation ahead of the 2025/26 A-League season.

The APL said its decision was made following the club’s breach of several obligations under the agreement, including compliance with Football Australia’s National Club Licensing Regulations.

The club’s proposed 2027–28 comeback will therefore depend on securing new investment, addressing its outstanding operational requirements and demonstrating that it can meet the conditions necessary to re-enter the A-Leagues.

While Monday’s decision brings an end to Western United’s current participation agreement, the club maintains that it is not the end for Western United.

Now, the club that won the A-League grand final just four years ago, will now turn its attention to restructuring the business and building a sustainable platform for a potential return to Australia’s professional football landscape.

 

 

Football Queensland Welcomes Musco Lighting as Official Lighting Partner

Football Queensland has welcomed Musco Lighting as its Official Lighting Partner, bringing world-class sports lighting expertise to football clubs and facilities across the state.

The partnership will support Football Queensland clubs as participation continues to grow across the state, helping communities access safer, higher-quality and more accessible football facilities.

Musco Lighting is a global leader in sports lighting, with more than 50 years of experience delivering lighting solutions across sporting venues worldwide. The company was also the first in the world to be certified by FIFA as a Preferred Provider for Floodlight Systems and provided lighting for 12 of the 16 stadiums used at the recent FIFA World Cup.

Through the new partnership, Football Queensland clubs will have access to Musco’s specialist expertise and solutions as they look to improve and develop their lighting infrastructure.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said the partnership represented an important step in supporting the continued growth of football across Queensland.

“I’m proud to see this partnership between Football Queensland and Musco come to life.

“With participation continuing to grow across Queensland, the need for quality football infrastructure has never been greater. This partnership will help our clubs access world-class lighting expertise to create safer, better and more accessible facilities for their communities.

The partnership provides an opportunity to combine Football Queensland’s extensive network across the state’s football community with Musco’s global expertise in sports lighting, supporting clubs as they continue to invest in facilities that meet the needs of their growing participation bases.

Football Queensland and Musco will work together to help clubs identify lighting solutions that can enhance facility quality and accessibility, supporting more opportunities for players and communities to participate in football.

Football Queensland Official Lighting Partner – Musco Lighting

With more than five decades of experience in sports lighting, Musco has delivered projects across some of the world’s most significant sporting venues and events.

The company’s FIFA Preferred Provider certification and involvement in the recent FIFA World Cup further demonstrates its expertise in delivering lighting systems to the highest international standards.

The partnership with Football Queensland will bring this expertise closer to Queensland’s football community, providing clubs with access to a specialist lighting partner as the game continues to grow across the state.

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