Football Queensland can today announce the 25 clubs set to run Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) programs in 2018 and beyond.
The following clubs have been awarded five-year SAP program licences:
| Brisbane City (Boys) |
| Brisbane Strikers (Boys) |
| Caloundra FC (Boys) |
| Gold Coast City (Boys) |
| Gold Coast United (Boys and Girls) |
| Holland Park Hawks (Boys) |
| Lions FC (Boys and Girls) |
| Logan Lightning (Boys and Girls) |
| Magpies Crusaders United (Boys) |
| Mitchelton FC (Boys and Girls) |
| Moreton Bay United (Boys and Girls) |
| Mudgeeraba SC (Girls) |
| Northern Fury (Boys) |
| Olympic FC (Boys) |
| Peninsula Power (Boys and Girls) |
| Redlands United (Boys) |
| Rochedale Rovers (Boys) |
| Souths United (Girls) |
| Sunshine Coast Wanderers (Boys and Girls) |
| SWQ Thunder (Boys and Girls) |
| The Gap FC (Girls) |
| UQFC (Boys) |
| Western Pride (Boys and Girls) |
| Wide Bay Buccaneers (Boys and Girls) |
| Wolves FC (Boys) |
[Images: Paul Smith]
SAP is a key component of Football Federation Australia’s National Curriculum, designed to accelerate the skill development of identified players between the critical ages of 9 to 13.
The number of clubs offering SAP programs will grow from 12 to 25 in 2018, giving more young Queenslanders access to quality coaching and competition than ever before.
Each club will offer programs for players in the U9, U10, U11 and U12 age groups.
SAP will also expand into regional Queensland for the first time with Mackay, Townsville and Wide Bay all receiving licences.
FQ Technical Director David Abela spoke of the need to look across the entire state when identifying talented young players.
“Introducing SAP throughout the state allows us to give those kids a footballing education that was previously unavailable to them,” said Abela.
“We know there is talent everywhere in Queensland, and having SAP programs spread across the state is really important as we continue to develop our youth football infrastructure.”
Another change to SAP will be the introduction of weekly fixtures between SEQ-based teams (SAP teams currently play once a fortnight), giving players an opportunity to practice skills honed during mid-week training sessions.
Teams from Northern Fury, Magpies Crusaders United and Wide Bay Buccaneers will train together twice a week before returning to their local clubs to play in community leagues.
FQ SAP Trainer Dean Simpkins believes the introduction of regular quality matches will help prepare players for the next step in their footballing development.
“Weekly games give players a chance to use the skills they learn in training in a practical situation, which is hugely important when it comes to developing decision making and skill,” said Simpkins.
FQ is currently in conversation with FFA regarding the future of the National Youth Championships, and the outcome of those discussions will inform FQ’s plans for representative teams moving forward.
The Skill Acquisition Phase program serves to prepare players for Queensland’s elite football competitions, the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Queensland and Football Queensland Premier League.
Head to FFA’s Coaching Resources page for detailed information on the Skill Acquisition Phase.
