Football Queensland (FQ)’s Meakin Park played host to two days of football over the weekend, with the Under 9 Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) Boys State Carnival welcoming footballers from around the state.

320 of the youngest SAP players from across South West and South East Queensland and from each of FQ’s five regional SAP centres participated in the two-day state carnival.

“I want to say a big thank you to all players, coaches and families who travelled from around Queensland for the Under 9 SAP Boys State Carnival,” State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer said.

“The weekend was a fantastic showcase of talent, teamwork and enthusiasm as teams from North and Far North Queensland, Central Queensland, Mackay and Wide Bay joined their peers from SEQ and South West.

“These players are all at the beginning of their SAP journey, and the Football Queensland technical team and I were extremely impressed with what we saw both on and off the field across the two days.

“A special thank you also to the QAS and Brisbane Roar Academy players who were in attendance to referee the matches, and to all spectators who were very diligent in following the COVID Safe measures which were in place across the event.

“We look forward to welcoming these players, coaches and families back for future SAP events.”

FQ’s Lead Club Development Ambassador – Talent Tom Laxton said the carnival was a great display of the young talent being developed at clubs around the state.

“The Under 9 SAP Boys State Carnival featured young players from across Queensland, and the quality of talent on display was great to see,” Laxton said.

“Events like this one are so important in the development of these young footballers who are just starting out on the talented player pathway, and we look forward to seeing them in action again at future carnivals and tournaments.”

Congratulations to all players who participated in the Under 9 SAP Boys State Carnival.

Images: Stuart McIntosh; Sally Wilkes