Following the widespread expansion of the Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) licences in 2018, Football Queensland (FQ) has introduced a new grading process and quality management system, as well as new competitions for SAP programs this year.

SAP licensed clubs submitted a detailed application outlining their planning and program delivery structures to receive Gold, Silver and Bronze ratings in 2019.

The aim of the rating system is to achieve best-practice coaching models. The rating is reset each year, giving clubs the opportunity to demonstrate that their program delivery structure is improving.

As part of the competition’s revamp, FQ will schedule seven MiniSeries for SAP boys in addition to regular Academy and Development League fixtures.

FQ will also host a series of SAP State Carnivals for all boys and girls age groups in Brisbane at the Logan Metro Football Complex. The event will feature South East Queensland and regional U9-U12 SAP teams from Wide Bay, Central Queensland, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns on the following dates:

• U10 SAP Boys State Carnival: Sat 18 & Sun 19 May
• U11 SAP Boys State Carnival: Sat 15 & Sun 16 June
• U12 Boys & Girls SAP State Carnival: Sat 3 & Sun 4 August
• U9/10 Girls & U9 Boys SAP State Carnival: Sat 24 & Sun 25 August.

U11/12 Girls teams will play in a standalone Girls SAP league while U9/10 Girls will participate in their zone’s local competitions against boys teams to provide them with an appropriate challenge and level of competition.

FQ State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer said the changes to the SAP grading system would benefit young players in the state.

“The changes to the SAP program and rating system together with the new SAP competitions for 2019 will provide better opportunities for Queensland’s youngest players’ football development, and create a positive learning environment for 9 to 12 year old boys and girls across the whole state,” Ganczer said.