Football Queensland reveal NPL and FQPL reforms

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Football Queensland have announced vital steps to enable the connection of the football pyramid in the sunshine state.

The creation of a transitional men’s third division, which will be labelled FQPL 2, will underpin a reformed NPL Queensland and FQPL structure from 2021.

From next year, the NPL reforms will also see a replacement of the Under 20 age group with a new Under 23 age bracket across the NPL Men’s, FQPL 1 and FQPL 2 competitions.

“These are positive developments for aspirational players and clubs and a direct outcome of FQ’s state-wide Future of Football 2020+ Competition Reform consultations and the related NPL Review,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.

“FQ has come to this exciting announcement after engaging clubs and the state’s many stakeholders during a six-month investigation, analysis and research process, which encapsulated national data highlighting the distribution of match minutes and age groups needed to support career progression.

“We have observed widespread enthusiasm in Queensland throughout this time for promotion and relegation within a connected competition model, a stated focus in our Strategic Plan.

“FQPL 2 is the transitional framework that makes this integrated ecosystem sustainable, giving clubs time to prepare and meet higher levels of standards and performance.

“It enables FQ to meet the Queensland football community’s strong demand for a conference-style approach that strengthens the pathway for aspirational players and clubs at all levels.

“Through promotion and relegation into and out of FQPL 2, clubs across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and South West Queensland will from 2022 have the opportunity to compete for promotion into the new third tier and beyond.

“The end result is a fully connected pyramid which enables clubs to build capacity in a compliance environment that supports their development. FQ will continue its investigations into regional competition conferences as identified in the Future of Football 2020+ process,” Cavallucci concluded.

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Arsenal Secures Exciting New Deal with Paramount+

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Image credit: Maciej Rogowski / Shutterstock.com

Arsenal FC has unveiled a global partnership with Paramount+, drawing the major streaming service further into top-tier football as the race for fan engagement intensifies across sport and entertainment.

The deal makes Paramount+ an Official Partner of the club, embedding the platform’s branding and content across Arsenal’s matchday experience and digital channels throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The agreement highlights a broader industry shift, with major entertainment platforms turning to leading football clubs to expand global visibility, drive subscriber growth and place their brands at the centre of highly engaged fan communities.

The collaboration will see Paramount+ integrated throughout matchdays, including in-stadium branding, big-screen presence, programme features and themed activations at both men’s and women’s games. The platform will also be showcased across select retail and digital fan-experience channels.

Executive Vice President and International General Manager of Paramount+, Marco Nobili emphasised the shared global reach and enthusiasm behind the collaboration.

“We’re beyond excited to unite Paramount+ and Arsenal– two global iconic brands with supporters that live and breathe passion,” he said via Official Club media release.

Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Juliet Slot underscored how the strategic collaboration enhances the club’s commercial strength and fan experience.

“We’re delighted to welcome Paramount+ into our Arsenal family. They’re a world-class, global entertainment brand, and we’re so excited to work together and create new ways for our supporters to feel even closer to the club. Their expertise, creativity and investment strengthen our ability to deliver outstanding experiences for our supporters and supports our ambition to compete for major trophies,” she said via Official Club media release.

Paramount+ will tap into Arsenal’s strong social media presence, especially on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to share content aligned with key releases during the 2025/26 season. The initial activation, centred on the new season of Landman, will showcase first-team players alongside influencer Sharky, Eberechi Eze, William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli.

Shake2Go by Optislim Named Major Sponsor of Oakleigh Cannons

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Image credit: Oakleigh Cannons FC

Shake2Go, by Optislim, has been named major partner of the Oakleigh Cannons for the 2026 season, with the brand to feature prominently on the front of the club’s playing shirt. The sponsorship brings together a fast-growing Australian nutrition brand and one of the country’s most respected grassroots football clubs.

Meet Shake2Go – Australia’s first high protein + vitamins shake packed into a can . Each ready-to-drink can delivers 30g of premium protein, essential vitamins and minerals, is low in sugar, gluten-free, and packaged in eco-friendly cans. No mixing. No mess. No compromise. Just grab, shake, and go. With its smooth, milkshake-like taste, it delivers proper nutrition without slowing anyone down.

“We’re proud to welcome Shake2Go by Optislim as our major sponsor for the 2026 season,” said Aki Ionnas, General Manager of the Oakleigh Cannons. “To have such an innovative brand on the front of our shirt is a major endorsement of our club. This sponsorship is about more than logos  it’s a real investment into our players, our programs, and our wider community. At a grassroots level, that kind of support makes a genuine difference.”

The sponsorship will directly support player development, community programs, and the ongoing operations of the club. Shake2Go will have a strong presence across matchdays, community events, and player initiatives throughout the season.

At its core, this sponsorship reflects shared values of performance, wellbeing, and giving back to the football community that helps shape the future of the game.

For more information on Shake2Go, click here.

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