Football Queensland wishes to advise of several changes to the promotion-relegation structure of National Premier Leagues Queensland and the Football Queensland Premier League.
Promotion-relegation between NPL and the FQPL is now based on First Team results only, and Cairns FC and North Queensland United are no longer exempt from relegation.
The two clubs had previously been granted two-year exemptions to allow for the development of competitive U20 and U18 teams.
Cairns FC and NQ United have both encountered unavoidable issues while attempting to build junior playing rosters, leading FQ to make necessary changes to junior structures in both regions.
From the 2018 season onwards, Cairns FC and NQ United will field only a First Team in NPL/FQPL, with all junior players in the regions (U20s and below) to play for community clubs in local competitions.
With the U20 and U18 age groups no longer contributing to the promotion-relegation equation, there is no requirement for the exemptions. Following the 2018 season, two teams will be relegated from NPL and two teams promoted from FQPL, based only on First Team results.
This change provides a level playing field for all NPL and FQPL First Teams across Queensland.
FQ can also confirm the junior competitions structure for Cairns FC, NQ United and Mackay & Whitsundays Magpies Crusaders United.
Cairns FC and NQ United juniors will play for community clubs in local competitions, while Magpies Crusaders United will field junior teams in local competitions, competing as an NPL club against community clubs.
Further development for juniors in Cairns and Townsville will be provided in the form of Training Support Programs (TSPs) delivered by Cairns FC and NQ United.
TSPs will offer players additional training and coaching without compromising local competitions.
Cairns FC and NQ United will then select teams from the TSPs for competitions to be held 4-6 times per year between Cairns FC, NQ United and Magpies Crusaders United.