The wait is over and football in Queensland is about to kick-off, with burgeoning rivalries, a second tier competition and new teams entering the sporting landscape to continue growth in the game.

It has been a productive off-season for clubs and the introduction of the Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) adds excitement to the already bustling National Premier League (NPL) competition.

The NPL spans across eight (8) of Australia’s States and Territories, and each of the semi-professional competitions are preparing for their respective seasons.

Football Queensland is the first Member Federation to kick off its men’s and women’s NPL 2018 seasons.

Football Queensland will live stream three fixtures each weekend, one from each competition, during the season via footballqueensland.com.au.

The first live stream will feature Ipswich Knights’ battle with Southside Eagles at Eric Evans Oval, from 7:25pm on Friday night, January 2.

On Saturday night, January 3, the 2017 NPL Premiers, the Brisbane Strikers, will begin their campaign playing host at Perry Park to last year’s champions, Western Pride, live streamed from 5:55pm.

On Sunday January 4, the NPLW will kick start as Mudgeeraba SC host The Gap FC, live streamed at 2:55pm.

In addition to live streams, Football Queensland will also produce video highlights from all NPL and FQPL games, with match reports for all NPLW matches, throughout the season.

Team of the week, Goals of the week and other content will also be available for fans to engage with the league, and their local clubs.

Football Federation Australia Chief Executive Officer David Gallop encouraged fans to head out to a nearby club to experience an NPL contest.

“Over the past five years we have witnessed the NPL improve both on and off the field thanks to the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our Member Federations, the participating Clubs, as well as the many coaches, players, administrators, and volunteers involved with the competition,” Mr Gallop said.

“We have witnessed many NPL Clubs feature in the FFA Cup over the past four years further developing the links between the Hyundai A-League and the NPL and promoting the important position these clubs hold in the development pathways of Australian football.

“2018 will see a host of former Hyundai A-League players feature for NPL Clubs, which will undoubtedly assist the development of the aspiring players around them. This can only lead to even more excitement on pitches across the nation, so I encourage all football fans to take the time to visit an NPL match this year.”

Football Queensland website and social media channels for more information.