Game-Changer: FQ Taps Into AI With StepOut to Revolutionise Performance Analysis

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In an announcement made yesterday, Football Queensland revealed that it will partner with StepOut, an AI-driven performance analysis platform. The collaboration aims to boost player development and make talent identification more accessible to coaches.

An innovative training tool

By establishing a partnership with an innovative performance and analysis platform like StepOut, Football Queensland is ensuring that current and future players receive cutting-edge training tools to maximise their development.

With data-driven decision making capabilities, StepOut will also empower coaches to identify where individuals – and the team – can improve to elevate their game.

“Football Queensland is delighted to welcome StepOut as a partner as we continue enhancing access to leading technology to deliver significant benefits to clubs and players alike,” said FQ CEO, Robert Cavallucci.

“The partnership will provide a major boost to player development through the rollout of StepOut’s in-depth football data and video analysis technology in the statewide FQ Academy Program, supporting the long-term development of the state’s most talented footballers.”

It is clear, therefore, that a partnership of this nature has been crafted with real intention. Furthermore, as StepOut is implemented into clubs across Queensland, players can begin to pursue their footballing ambitions in the knowledge that their development is backed by progressive and innovative technology.

 

What is StepOut?

StepOut is an AI-driven platform which helps clubs, coaches and players with performance analysis. It uses videos and data to reveal detailed insights into individual and team performance.

The platform’s alliance with Football Queensland is a reflection of both parties’ commitment to providing players with the same performance technology as those used by the world’s most successful outfits.

“We’re excited to help create a system where talent across Queensland is consistently recognised and developed, empowering players and coaches with the same performance technology used by leading clubs such as Real Madrid and Ajax,” explained Founder & CEO of StepOut, Sayak Ghosh.

A game in constant motion

As anyone who has played (or been involved in) the game will know, football is a sport which requires constant movement.

Whether you are dribbling with ball at your feet looking to make a defence-splitting pass into the opposition half, or running in behind into space, you don’t have the time to stand still.

The same applies to the industry as a whole.

If we are to begin building towards a more sustainable, inclusive and innovative future, then we must be open to moving. That is, moving forward with the latest technology, trends and methods in the game, embodied by cutting-edge platforms like StepOut.

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FQ Reinstates WinterFest 2026 at the Sunshine Coast

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Image Credit: Football Queensland

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed WinterFest, the state’s premier junior football carnival, will return to the Sunshine Coast from 1 to 5 July 2026; this time at a new home in the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).

Delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast, the five-day carnival will span USC and Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC, hosting Under 9 to Under 11 Boys and Under 11 Girls teams from every corner of the state.

WinterFest is not simply a competition. Within FQ’s development framework, the carnival serves a dual function, to expose elite junior players to FQ Technical staff, whilst providing emerging referees with live matchday experience under the guidance of senior officials.

“The carnival plays an important role in nurturing not only our most promising young players, who can showcase their abilities in front of FQ Technical staff who continue to monitor their ongoing development, but also our cohort of emerging referees from across Queensland,” said Ryan Fett, FQ General Manager- Football, Infrastructure & Club Development.

The shift to USC is deliberate. FQ has signalled an intention to elevate the event experience year-on-year, and a university campus venue, with its infrastructure and capacity, reflects that ambition more than a traditional football ground would.

Beyond the Pitch

The tournament’s footprint, however, extends well beyond the pitch. With thousands of visiting families descending on the region across five days, WinterFest functions as a significant economic activation for the Sunshine Coast during what is otherwise a quieter winter period.

“WinterFest brings enormous energy to the region, the USC and Buderim fields will be buzzing and the talent on show outstanding,” said Sunshine Coast Resilient Economy Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg.

The language- “Resilient Economy”- is worth noting. Landsberg’s portfolio title alone signals how local government now frames junior sport: not as community goodwill, but as economic infrastructure.

His reference to Brisbane 2032 made that explicit. “As we move closer to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, these experiences are invaluable for aspiring athletes and equally important for boosting local tourism and supporting our businesses during the winter period.”

Whether a regional Under 11 carnival genuinely feeds an Olympic pipeline is debatable. What isn’t is that the political incentive to frame it that way, with 2032 drawing every level of government into the orbit of sport, is very real.

Football NSW partners with Deploy for Association Championships

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Image credit: Deploy Football

In an announcement released on Thursday this week, Football NSW revealed Deploy as the Naming Rights Partner of the Football NSW Association Championships.

New competition, new talents

The Association Championships, set to take place in July 2026 at Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex in Mudgee, will replace the former Association Youth League.

Although the tournament has changed name, its purpose remains consistent: giving youth players the platform to showcase their talent on the football pitch.

In a display of unity and collective ambition, 18 Associations across New South Wales will enter representative teams, each one featuring gifted grassroots players looking to prove themselves against their peers.

“The Deploy FNSW Association Championships will provide a fantastic platform for our Associations to come together and celebrate the best of elite community football,” said Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas via official press release.

“This tournament is all about giving young players, coaches, and referees from every corner of the state a chance to shine and develop in a competitive, supportive environment.”

The partnership between Deploy and Football NSW, therefore, is not merely about a name alteration. It is a collaboration which presents future grassroots talents with a platform and opportunity to compete.

 

Built on shared values

No partnership can succeed without both parties sharing a common goal or set of values. In this case, the alliance between Football NSW and Deploy is built on a commitment to supporting grassroots football and supplying players with quality resources and experiences to showcase their talent.

“Deploy is proud to partner with Football NSW as the Naming Rights Partner of the Association Championships. Community sport plays a vital role in bringing people together and building future leaders, both on and off the field,” explained Chief Commercial Officer at Deploy, Kurt Johnson.

“As long-time partners with Football NSW, this aligns perfectly with our strategy of creating balls designed for each age and skill level of the game, ranging from junior training balls to professional match balls perfect for the competitive environment like the Association Championships.”

Furthermore, with hundreds of participants including players, referees, coaches and supporters due to attend the tournament, the partnership’s impact will extend right across the state of New South Wales.

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