Football Queensland is excited to announce a football centred TAFE at Schools program in collaboration with TAFE Queensland. 

The program is designed to equip up and coming football players with pivotal tools for success in pursuing coaching opportunities both in and outside of the football arena, with the initial cohort commencing in recent weeks in line with Term 1 of 2023 as part of TAFE Queensland’s Academy of Sport. 

“The TAFE at Schools program is just one of the ways Football Queensland is implementing our commitment to strengthening pathways for improved player outcomes and developing higher standards for improved quality on and off the field,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said. 

“This program will provide participants with a professional pathway into football coaching, development and administration within community-based sports clubs and organisations across the Australian sporting industry. 

“Students will have the unique opportunity to learn and develop at the home of football in Queensland, while Football Queensland will also provide access to football specific foundation coaching training as part of the TAFE at Schools program.” 

TAFE Queensland General Manager, Brent Kinnane, said introducing a football-specific qualification was important for the professionalism of the sport in the lead-up to both the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. 

“The agreement with Football Queensland allows our students to work with professional football coaches while completing a coaching qualification,” Mr Kinnane said.  

“Introducing a football-focused qualification that allows our students to gain the specific skills they need to meet the industry demands is a game changer at this important time in the history of our region,” Mr Kinnane continued.  

“This will allow the students to enter and work in professional football, ensuring that football in Queensland can attract the highest quality players and support staff as we go for gold later this year and in the coming decade.” 

Students selected for the program will study at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus and at Football Queensland’s headquarters at Meakin Park, with the first intake of students currently undertaking the program. 

For more information about the TAFE at Schools program and TAFE Queensland, visit tafeqld.edu.au.