Following the release of the 2024 Provisional Declaration of Leagues for Advanced Junior Boys, Football Queensland has today provided further information regarding Sunshine Coast United.
Sunshine Coast United is a Football Queensland delivered advanced junior player development program designed to further expand pathway opportunities in the Sunshine Coast region, with Sunshine Coast United teams to participate in the FQ Academy Leagues in 2024.
Football Queensland will work closely with all clubs on the Sunshine Coast to ensure the Sunshine Coast United program is accessible for suitable talent.
Entry to the program will be possible through three different avenues:
- Players identified from the existing, Football Queensland delivered FQ Academy Development Program (Tier 2);
- Nominations for players to participate in Sunshine Coast United trials from Sunshine Coast based community clubs;
- Self-registration to participate in Sunshine Coast United trials for former FQ Academy players based on the Sunshine Coast.
Former FQ Academy players based on the Sunshine Coast will be able to self-register to attend Sunshine Coast United talent identification sessions. Other interested, but not nominated or identified players can also register and their participation will be confirmed via email based on the players’ experience and overall numbers in each age group.
Football Queensland remains committed to delivering a multi-tier pathway on the Sunshine Coast to accommodate advanced junior player development outcomes, and will undertake consultation with clubs within the region and consider Expressions of Interest in a timely manner to transition the Sunshine Coast United program to a club-based program once an appropriate academy environment has been established.
The Sunshine Coast United program will be led by Football Queensland A Licensed coaches, Alec Wilson (FQ Senior Manager – Club Development, Talent and Coaching) and Scott Grimshaw (FQ Club Development Ambassador – Sunshine Coast), who currently manage existing regional representative programs and talent pathways.
Further information on the location, cost and other details of the Sunshine Coast United program will be confirmed shortly. Physical trials are intended to commence in November.