2023 was a hugely momentous year for football not only in Queensland but across the country as we welcomed the biggest ever edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
Our state hosted some of the most attended matches of the history-making tournament, with its incredible success reflecting the huge appetite for our beautiful game here in Queensland.
There were plenty of other highlights through the year as we recorded our best ever National Futsal Championships campaign, delivered another captivating year of competitions and tournaments across the statewide connected football pyramid, and acquired crucial infrastructure and funding outcomes to support the ongoing growth of the game across the state.
Kappa Pro Series Launch
2023 saw the launch of a brand new men’s tournament for NPL Queensland and FQPL 1 teams, the Kappa Pro Series, building on the success of the Kappa Women’s Super Cup launched in 2021.
Gold Coast Knights claimed the inaugural Kappa Pro Series title before going on to secure the first NPL Men’s treble as Premiers and Grand Final Champions.
Expanded Mitre FQPL Champions League
After the success of the inaugural Mitre FQPL Champions League in 2022, we were delighted to introduce the Mitre FQPL Champions League for Women this year alongside an expanded format with the introduction of FQPL Whitsunday Coast Men’s and Women’s teams, delivering a truly exciting battle across Queensland’s three football conferences; South East Queensland, Central Coast and Northern.
Queensland Success at 2023 National Futsal Championships
Queensland’s incredible success on the national stage last year continued into 2023 as all 12 of our state teams reached the National Futsal Championships Semi Finals and five Queensland sides secured Grand Final victories.
Following five days of intense competition, the U12 Boys, U14 Boys, U15 Boys, U16 Boys and Opens AWD mixed claimed National Futsal Championship titles for the state.
FQ Futsal Premier League Launch
Football Queensland launched the FQ Futsal Premier League in 2023 as part of a significant overhaul of the FQ futsal competition structure.
As part of the ongoing implementation of the FQ Futsal Strategy, the introduction of the FQ Futsal Premier League is creating further growth opportunities in the form of a connected futsal pyramid.
Super Futsal Partnership
Football Queensland announced an extended partnership with Super Futsal this year, joining forces to provide a unified delivery of futsal products for the new futsal pyramid that will provide further pathways for Queensland players to strive for national success.
The futsal operator also became licensed to deliver Football Queensland elite level futsal products including the FQ Junior Futsal League alongside their current affiliated community level competitions.
Inaugural Queensland Futsal Cup
The Queensland Futsal Cup was an exciting addition to the football calendar in 2023, with the statewide men’s and women’s knockout cup forming part of the newly implemented futsal pyramid.
Paula Robinson Named Football Queensland President
Paula Robinson was named Football Queensland’s President in a historic election following the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in May.
As Football Queensland strives towards its 50/50 gender parity participation target, Paula’s election as the first female President in the organisation’s 61-year history was a clear reflection of the unwavering commitment of the FQ Board, management and members to deliver its vision of the game, one that truly reflects the community and the incredibly bright future for football here in Queensland.
Protect Our Game Relaunch
Football Queensland reinforced its commitment to eliminating poor behaviour from the game in 2023 with the relaunch of the Protect Our Game initiative, taking a leading role in combatting abuse through the implementation of a bold and robust Three Strike Policy and new reporting mechanism.
Launch of Girls United Social Leagues
Football Queensland launched the Girls United Social Leagues in 2023, delivering a flexible, lower commitment playing format than traditional football to cater to women and girls new or returning to the game.
The Girls United Social Leagues provided an opportunity for participants to build their fitness and confidence within the game while forming social connections, as Football Queensland continues to develop more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in the game.
FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour 2023™ visits WinterFest
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour 2023™ landed at WinterFest23 in July on day 3 of Queensland’s largest junior football carnival, delivering an amazing experience for the players and families in attendance who were able to pose for photos with the trophy and meet Former Matilda Ellen Beaumont, Future Matilda Chelsea Blissett and Official Mascot Tazuni.
Legacy of Women’s Football in Queensland Shining on Global Stage
With the eyes of the world on Australia and New Zealand for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Queensland’s football legacy was shining on the global stage with 10 Queenslanders selected for the CommBank Matildas squad, representing 43% of the national team.
Even beyond Australia former players from the FQ Academy QAS program were making their mark on the tournament, including Indiah-Paige Riley who featured in New Zealand’s Football Ferns squad.
Queensland was also proudly represented in the tournament’s coaching and refereeing ranks, with Matildas Assistant Coach Mel Andreatta hailing from the state and four Queensland referees officiating in the tournament; Misuk Park, Casey Reibelt, Kate Jacewicz and Chris Beath.
FQ Awarded Lease to Nudgee Recreation Reserve
In August, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced that Football Queensland had been awarded the tender to lease the $35 million transformed Nudgee Recreation Reserve as part of an agreement with the Brisbane City Council.
The facility will deliver six state-of-the-art playing fields, a clubhouse and community spaces as part of a Metro North hub for football, helping to meet the existing pressures and demands of the 100,000 strong club-based and social participants in the Brisbane LGA and further supporting the delivery of community, development and female football programs.
Queensland Government Funding Outcomes for Football
At a state level, Football Queensland welcomed the Queensland Government’s $6 million contribution towards a Queensland Women’s Football Legacy Fund and the announcement of an additional $37 million in funding to support women’s sport.
In a first, football received the highest level of funding allocation in the last two rounds of the Minor Infrastructure Program this year which continues to deliver benefits for participants and clubs across the state.
FQ Academy Graduates on National and International Stage
As the statewide FQ Academy program continues to provide a pathway for young Queenslanders to the national and international stage, a number of our FQ Academy players made the step up into the A-Leagues this season.
FQ Academy Far North & Gulf and Edge Hill United product Thomas Waddingham signed his first professional contract with Brisbane Roar FC, while FQ Academy QAS graduate Grace Kuilamu made history as she became the youngest ever goalscorer for Brisbane Roar Women after scoring on her Liberty A-League debut at just 16 years of age.
Fellow FQ Academy QAS product Ella O’Grady also scored on her Liberty A-League debut this year with Melbourne Victory, before netting a stellar goal with the CommBank Young Matildas in a two-match international series against the Chinese U-20 Women’s National Team.
Queenslanders in Football Australia Referee Academy
It wasn’t just Queensland players making their mark this year as six Queensland match officials were named in the inaugural intake of the Football Australia Referee Academy, representing 50% of the officials selected from across the country.
Young Townsville official Page Malau-Aduli went on to officiate the Macca’s™ FQPL 1 Women Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium before earning her first appointment in the Liberty A-League.
Coach Education Delivered to Over 2,800 Participants
Football Queensland has recorded another bumper year of coach education in 2023, delivering 223 courses and 12 coach education sessions to over 2,800 attendees across the state.
FQ’s ongoing commitment to supporting the progression of female coaches resulted in a 28% increase in female coach numbers this year, alongside an overall increase in coaching participation statewide, as we continue working towards 50/50 gender parity in participation by 2027.
Suncorp Stadium Grand Finals
Suncorp Stadium played host to Football Queensland’s biggest ever Grand Finals this year as players from across the state’s premier competitions went head-to-head on Queensland’s most iconic stage.
In a demonstration of FQ’s commitment to investing in the football experience, the 2023 NPL and FQPL 1 Grand Finals provided an amazing opportunity for fans and players to experience match minutes in a major stadium, elevating the match day experience for all involved.
Return of the Battle of the States
2023 saw the return of a historic rivalry between Queensland and Victoria as an electric Battle of the States double-header was held at The Home of the Matildas in Victoria.
The announcement marks the second consecutive year of no changes to governing body fees since Football Queensland reduced registration fees for the 2022 season.
Amy Chapman and Adam Peacock host 2023 Football in Queensland Awards Night
Football Queensland was delighted to announce former Matilda and football reporter Amy Chapman and sports journalist Adam Peacock as the Masters of Ceremonies for the 2023 Football in Queensland Awards Night.
Celebrating the outstanding achievements of individuals and clubs at every level of the game, we welcomed over 500 members of the football community to Brisbane City Hall for this year’s event.
Player Registration Fees Remain Unchanged
Football Queensland confirmed that governing body fees will remain unchanged in 2024 as the implementation of Future of Football 2020+ reforms continues to deliver benefits to participants across the state.
