Football Queensland has confirmed the competition format and fixtures for the inaugural FQPL Champions League, with the tournament’s first ever matches kicking off next month.

Edge Hill United have booked their spot as representatives of the Northern Conference following their Australia Cup win over MA Olympic, while Central Coast side Frenchville FC and Wide Bay’s Across the Waves will go head-to-head to determine the Central Conference qualifier.

“The FQPL Champions League is one of the most exciting outcomes of the Future of Football 2020+ competition reforms, providing brand new opportunities for aspirational clubs and players across regional and South East Queensland as we work to further unite our game throughout the state,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.

“Through the implementation of the connected football pyramid, the FQPL Champions League will enhance the playing experience particularly for footballers within the Northern and Central Conferences by providing them with an opportunity to compete against the best of the best not only within their own conference but in the rest of the state.

“We’re extremely excited to get the inaugural edition of the FQPL Champions League underway next month and look forward to seeing the state’s first ever winners crowned.”

“The FQPL Champions League is set to deliver fantastic new opportunities for our regional players through exposure to high level competition as they come up against teams from outside their conference,” FQ General Manager – Central Coast Region Andy Allan said.

“This allows them to get a sense of how they compare to players in the equivalent leagues in other regions while also acting as an additional talent identification opportunity.

“The participating teams will also benefit from exposure to travel as they progress through each stage of the tournament, with the last remaining regional side taking on the SEQ based FQPL 1 Premiers in the FQPL Champions League Final.”

To determine the Central Conference qualifier, Frenchville FC and Across the Waves will compete in a two-legged tie based on aggregate scores.

The regional qualification pathway will then culminate in a Northern v Central Conference clash, with the Central winner taking on Cairns side Edge Hill United for a spot in the Final against the FQPL 1 Premiers.

Fixture dates have now been confirmed, with further information on venues and times to be announced in the coming weeks.

FQPL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES

Central Conference Qualifier Leg 1
Frenchville FC vs Across the Waves FC
Ryan Park
July 2 | 6:30pm

Central Conference Qualifier Leg 2
Across the Waves FC vs Frenchville FC
The Waves Sports Complex
August 13 | 6:30pm

Northern Conference v Central Conference Qualifier
September 24

Final
October 8