
Football Queensland has unveiled an innovative development program aimed at nurturing the next generation of female football talent across the Sunshine State.
The FQ Academy Emerging Female Program, launching this February, will provide specialised coaching for girls aged 9-13 under the expert guidance of Football Queensland Academy and Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) technical staff.
The eight-week initiative, operating alongside existing club programs, represents a significant boost to Queensland’s female football pathway.
Players will receive professional coaching focused on fundamental skills development, with sessions designed to complement their regular club training.
FQ Academy QAS Isaka Cernak expressed their support of the new program.
“The launch of this program is an important step in our commitment to developing the women’s game in Queensland, as we aim to support our clubs, coaches, and players who are looking for, or would benefit from additional technical skill development,” Isaka Cernak said via press release.
“The program is designed to complement existing club training, helping players enhance their technical skills and football knowledge during the critical skill acquisition phase of their development, benefiting both the individual player and their club environment.”
The program is also creating opportunities for aspiring female coaches.
FQ General Manager – Football & State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer highlighted this crucial aspect.
“Supporting the growing number of female coaches is critical to the long-term success of the women’s game, and through this program, we are creating more opportunities for current and aspiring female coaches to develop their skills and advance their technical knowledge,” Ganczer commented via FQ official press release.
The initiative aligns with FQ’s ambitious 2024-2026 Women and Girls Strategy, which targets 50/50 gender parity by 2027.
It’s particularly timely as Queensland looks towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with organisers hoping to unearth and develop future CommBank Matildas talent.
Term 1 Key Information:
- Tuesday, 11 February – Tuesday, 1 April 2025
- Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
- 8 sessions per term (1 per week for 8 weeks)
- Nudgee Recreation Reserve, 290 Elliott Rd, Nudgee
- Cost: $100
- Age groups: U9-U13 girls
Football Queensland has indicated plans to expand the program, with further announcements expected in the coming months.
The impressive growth of women’s football in Queensland has been consistently supported through the state’s footballing federation. It is hopeful this program can deliver more opportunities for young girls to advance their development and football ambitions.
Interested participants must register by Friday, 7 February 2025, register for term 1 through the link here.