The inaugural Football Queensland Community Cup kicks off this Sunday, 8 July in Mackay.
What is the Football Queensland Community Cup?
The Football Queensland (FQ) Community Cup is a state-wide junior football tournament, giving players the opportunity to compete at local representative level against other regions.
The tournament is also a talent pathway for junior referees, with zones required to send their emerging referees to officiate.
Teams compete in the following age groups:
- Under 12, Under 13, Under 14, Under 15 and Under 16 boys
- Under 13 and Under 15 girls
Zones and clubs are not required to field teams across all seven age groups.
Why was the FQ Community Cup established?
The FQ Community Cup was established due to the absence of junior elite competition in Far North Queensland, North West, North Queensland, Wide Bay and Central Queensland.
“The tournament will provide an opportunity for the next generation of talent to compete in a state competition,” FQ General Manager of Football Operations Brendon Boss said.
“It will also provide our National Premier Leagues (NPL) selectors with an avenue to identify developing players for NPL programs, as well as provide coach and referee education.”
When and where will the FQ Community Cup take place?
Mackay Regional Football Zone will host the tournament on behalf of Football Queensland.
The FQ Community Cup will be held between Sunday, 8 July and Saturday, 14 July at Mackay Junior Football Park, corner of Glenella and Heath Roads in Mackay.
For the full list of fixtures and results, please click here.
Which teams will compete in the FQ Community Cup?
Over 50 teams from participating zones and three regional NPL clubs, Cairns FC, North Queensland United and Magpies Crusaders United, will compete at the FQ Community Cup.
The rationale behind the decision to include the three regional NPL clubs is that, despite these clubs’ positions in the advanced player pathway, their junior teams (U16 and below) compete in local competitions and FQ’s regional tri-series.
Who will officiate the FQ Community Cup matches?
Under the guidance of eight FQ referee coaches, 37 match officials from all 10 Queensland zones will take charge of FQ Community Cup matches.
“The FQ Community Cup is a chance for our emerging junior referees to officiate in a different environment to their usual weekend matches,” FQ State Referees Manager David Wiebe said.
“Each referee will receive personal, one-on-one feedback on each of their games from the coaches, which is something they may not get regularly throughout their normal football season.
“All referees selected are really looking forward to the opportunity to be involved.”
The FQ referee state coaches will also name a Referee of the Tournament at the conclusion of the event.
To view the official Football Queensland Community Cup webpage, please click here.