Football Queensland is proud to announce the expansion of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s Queensland to 14 teams.
The competition will grow by four teams in 2018, providing more valuable playing experience for talented female footballers across the state.
Football Queensland President Greg Redington said the competition’s expansion will capitalise on the growing momentum in women’s football.
“Female footballers make up 20% of our player base and it’s crucial that we continue to provide even better opportunities for those players,” Redington said.
“The expanded PS4 NPL Women’s Queensland exists to strengthen the player pathway and give young female players a clear avenue to the top.
“Players now have more chances to impress in the PS4 NPL Women’s Queensland, making Westfield W-League and Matildas selection more achievable than ever.”
Image: Chris Simpson
Nine new teams will enter PS4 NPL Women’s Queensland in 2018, and will face off against five teams already competing in the league.
All clubs will also field teams in U17s, U15s and U13s to ensure the continued growth of Queensland’s footballing talent pool.
Back-to-back defending champions The Gap will return hoping to add to their success, alongside Eastern Suburbs, South West Queensland Thunder, Peninsula Power and Souths United, who all retain their spot in the state’s top Women’s league.
Lions FC join the competition in association with current PS4 NPL Women’s Queensland side UQFC, and will play at Lions’ Richlands base.
Gold Coast Galaxy and Mudgeeraba Soccer Club will fly the flag for the Gold Coast, ensuring players in the region have ample opportunities to play high-level football.
Wide Bay Buccaneers will field an elite Women’s team for the first time in 2018, giving players in the area a chance to experience state-level football without travelling far from home on a weekly basis.
Image: David Lobwein
Mitchelton FC join PS4 NPL Women’s Queensland after enjoying recent success in the Mt Franklin Brisbane Women’s Premier League, claiming the premiership-championship double in 2016, and continuing that form in 2017 with a currently ongoing 12-match winning streak.
Mitchelton will have two familiar foes in 2018, as Capalaba FC and Logan Lightning will also be making the jump up from the Brisbane Women’s Premier League.
Sunshine Coast Wanderers are another club set to join the state’s top division on the back of strong local performances. Wanderers finished second in the McDonald’s Sunshine Coast Premier Women in 2016, but are currently on a 15-game winning streak and sit top of the table.
23 clubs applied for entry into PS4 NPL Women’s Queensland, reflecting the depth of talent and passion for the Women’s game in our state.
Tuesday’s announcement follows the Football Queensland Board’s ratification of the selection panel’s recommendations.