Football Queensland reveals 2021 SAP Program Guide

Liam Watson
Football Queensland (FQ) has unveiled the 2021 SAP Program Guide which provides guidance and assistance to players, parents and coaches.

Football Queensland (FQ) has today unveiled the 2021 SAP Program Guide which provides guidance and assistance to players, parents and coaches on how to improve their understanding on how the Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) operates throughout Queensland.

This SAP Program Guide will assist players, parents and coaches to understand how the Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) operates throughout Queensland.

The FQ Club Development Unit has consulted with community and advanced clubs, bringing together experienced personnel from various sectors of the game to build a more player-centred approach to SAP, to in turn help to produce better footballers in Queensland.

“The SAP Program Guide is another example of FQ’s commitment to providing clear, useful information about the player pathway to parents and coaches,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.

“The Guide offers practical advice about the age-specific playing formats and rules for boys and girls, recommendations for SAP coaches on how to manage players on match day, information on SAP State Carnivals and much, much more.

“FQ recognises that SAP is important for young players to develop game-related skills, which is why we have made unprecedented investments in the program over the past 18 months through our Club Development Unit.

“The release of the SAP Program Guide follows on from the launch of our SAPCC initiative, which makes available coaching resources and collateral to community clubs across the state, and our ongoing SAP Club Assessment process, which reviews program delivery for licensed SAP clubs.

“FQ also reformed the SAP structure for 2021 to provide more games and reduce travel time for young Queensland footballers. This Guide outlines all these initiatives and more and is essential reading for anyone involved in SAP in this state.”

FQ issued Advanced SAP Licences to clubs in South East Queensland and runs regional Advanced SAP training centres in Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns, with a club partnership in Mackay.

In addition to the SAP Program Guide, FQ has also released the Advanced SAP Club Manual which provides specific information about technical matters such as the players age policy and the recommended structure of the club-based MiniSeries events.

To see the guide in full, you can view it here.

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APL and PFA remain without agreement as bargaining tensions continue

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Image Credit: A-Leagues

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) remain without a new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations continuing less than three months before the start of the 2026–27 A-Leagues season.

The APL presented the players’ union with a new one-year interim proposal on August 5, which included an increase to the A-League Women salary cap and a commitment to establish a pathway towards full-time professionalism for the women’s competition within 12 months.

The proposed agreement would provide an interim framework while the two parties continue discussions over a longer-term collective bargaining agreement.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the proposal reflected the league’s commitment to reaching a sustainable agreement with players following eight months of negotiations.

However, the PFA criticised the APL for publicly announcing the proposal shortly after presenting it to the union, arguing that the approach had further damaged trust between the two parties.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch also said players had overwhelmingly rejected the APL’s previous final offer, citing a lack of trust in the league’s ability to ensure its future.

Full-time professionalism for the A-League Women remains a key priority for the PFA, with players seeking improved conditions and greater investment in the competition.

The A-League Men and A-League Women seasons are both scheduled to begin on 16 October 2026.

With the new season approaching, both parties face pressure to resolve the dispute and establish the framework governing player conditions across the A-Leagues.

 

 

Jeff Bezos consortium set for $2.7 billion Liverpool investment

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Image Credits: Fortune

Liverpool could soon welcome one of the world’s richest men into its ownership structure.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the club.

The proposed deal values Liverpool at around $8.6 billion (4.5 billion pounds). Bezos has a personal fortune estimated at $363 billion.

The investment would give Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a major financial return. It would also allow FSG to keep control of the club, which they bought in 2010.

The proposal has attracted attention across football. It has also created concern among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

FSG set for major return

FSG bought Liverpool for $573 million (300 million pounds) in 2010. The ownership group later provided further funding through loans. In the last 16 years, the club has undergone major growth.

Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. The club also won the Champions League in 2019. Another Premier League title followed in 2025.

Stadium redevelopment and a new training centre have also increased the club’s value. FSG could cash in on $2.7 billion (1.4 billion pounds) if the 30% share is sold.

The deal would therefore represent a huge return on its original investment. However, whilst the investment would provide a massive cash out for the owners of Liverpool, due to Financial Fair Play there won’t be increased investment in the transfer market.

Why Bezos wants Liverpool

Bezos has explored sports investments before. He has been linked with major American franchises such as the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Liverpool would give him a stake in one of football’s biggest global brands. The club also has a large following in the United States. The New York Times has also reported Liverpool has 26 million fans in America.

That makes the investment attractive for investors looking to expand their reach in global sport. American businessmen Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia are also reportedly involved in the consortium.

The deal would add to the growing American influence across English football.

Fans remain cautious

Liverpool supporters have not automatically welcomed the proposal.

The club’s previous experience under Tom Hicks and George Gillett still influences the fanbase.

Supporters also want greater clarity over the consortium’s intentions. Questions remain over board representation, control and the long-term purpose of the investment.

For many fans, ownership must involve more than financial ambition. The Bezos proposal could strengthen Liverpool’s commercial position. It could also deliver a huge payday for FSG.

But until the consortium reveals more about its plans, supporters are likely to treat the deal with scepticism.

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