Football Queensland (FQ) has today confirmed the structure for the 2021 Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) program following a series of state-wide club consultation sessions and surveys.
“Football Queensland is pleased to confirm the 2021 Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) structure, which reflects the organisation’s focus on uniting football in the state by bringing together players and teams from across Queensland and providing high quality participation experiences,” FQ President Ben Richardson said.
“The 2021 Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) structure better aligns with FQ’s Strategic Plan, providing more games across an accessible talent pathway for young Queenslanders and reducing travel times for one-off games while continuing to deliver like vs like playing opportunities for all teams,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.
“Football Queensland is committed to strengthening club standards and development opportunities, with an enhanced SAP Club Assessment process in 2021 reviewing ongoing program delivery and remaining the main mechanism to evaluate club programs and allocate teams into competitive groups.”
“The introduction of a revised Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) program structure in 2021 follows extensive consultation with SAP clubs across the state, and will provide more games and development benefits for both regional and South East Queensland based footballers,” State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer said.
“One key change will see SAP Girls clubs participating in a SAP Girls League, or in their zone’s Boys Leagues for SEQ-based teams outside of Brisbane. This will ensure that the state’s best male and female junior players are exposed to challenging matches of a suitable level, to allow for the best junior player development outcomes.
“2021 will see the introduction of six multi-game MiniSeries events throughout the year with three types of varied formats providing opportunities for travel while also allowing SAP Girls teams to play against their male peers. 2021 will also see the introduction of new SAP ‘Club Days’ and a new competitive event, the MiniSeries Cup.
“This structure will benefit not only the program’s young players but also our SAP clubs, who will be able to deliver a stronger and more sustainable SAP program in 2021.
“Players from over 180 teams across regional and South East Queensland will continue to come together to showcase their skills as part of the SAP Boys and Girls State Carnivals, while the final official event of the year will be held in October to allow time for a sufficient trial period and off-season.
“We thank all SAP clubs for their collaboration in developing the 2021 SAP structure, and we look forward to supporting them to deliver stronger programs and participation experiences next year.”
In 2021, FQ will offer regional SAP programs in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay for both boys and girls, while the Magpies Crusaders will deliver the SAP program in Mackay.
2021 SAP Structure – Overview of Changes
- SAP fixtures – 12 games for each team with allocation based on Club Assessment rating
- SAP MiniSeries – six multi-game events throughout the year
- SAP MiniSeries Cup – one new competitive event
- SAP Club Days – allow clubs to choose between inviting partner or community clubs for the day, hosting a club fun day with training or an in-house tournament, or coach education days while player have a rest weekend
- SAP Girls League – SAP Girls clubs participating in a Girls League, or in their zone’s Boys Leagues for SEQ-based teams outside of Brisbane
- Final official event of the year to be held on October 18 and 19 2021 to allow time for sufficient trial period and off-season and to accommodate players who wish to participate in a summer sport
