2023 was another hugely successful year for the FQ Academy program, which continued to provide a pathway to selection in state and national teams and the A-Leagues for young participants from across the state.
Highlights of the year included the naming of 17 FQ Academy players in the 36-player Brisbane Roar FC Under 23 squad, and the selection of 14 FQ Academy QAS players in Australia’s national teams.
“The Football Queensland Academy program delivered extensive development and talent identification opportunities for young players across the state this year, including participation in regional and state carnivals, and elite matches attended by Under 17 Head Coach Brad Maloney,” FQ Technical Director – Player Development Tom Laxton said.
“Our state teams also showcased their skills on the national stage at the 2023 National Youth Championships, with our Queensland Under 15 White team securing the runners-up spot.
“It was a standout year for a number of our young FQ Academy players, as FQ Academy Far North & Gulf and Edge Hill United product Thomas Waddingham signed his first professional contract with Brisbane Roar FC and netted a goal for the Young Socceroos at the Marbella Week of Football, and Eddie Ince represented the country in the Subway Joeys’ squad at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup™ in Thailand.
“After securing the National Youth Championships title with the Queensland state team last year, Quinn MacNicol became the youngest player in Brisbane Roar history as he made his Isuzu Ute A-League debut in 2023.
“We also had a number of other FQ Academy players represent the state and country throughout 2023, and congratulate each of them on their outstanding achievements this year.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with the Brisbane Roar heading into 2024 as we continue to deliver the best possible development and progression opportunities for young Queenslanders.”
The FQ Academy QAS program delivered further success on the national stage in 2023, with over 580 sessions conducted throughout the year as part of FQ’s advanced girls program.
“It has been an incredibly successful year for the FQ Academy QAS program as 11 players were selected in CommBank Junior Matildas squads and three players were named in CommBank Young Matildas squads throughout 2023,” FQ Manager – Football Queensland Academy QAS Isaka Cernak said.
“FQ Academy QAS players also experienced success on the national stage within our Queensland state teams as the Under 18 White side were named runners-up at the 2023 NTC Challenge, and the National Youth Championships saw the Under 14 Silver team named runners-up and the Under 16 Maroon team remain undefeated throughout the tournament.
“It was wonderful to see FQ Academy QAS graduates Grace Kuilamu and Ella O’Grady make the step up into the Liberty A-League in recent months, with both players already scoring goals following their debuts for Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.
“Grace also made history as she became the youngest ever goalscorer for Brisbane Roar’s Women’s side at just 16 years of age.
“Another 11 players from the program received training opportunities with Liberty A-League clubs in 2023, and we look forward to supporting the progression of these players as the FQ Academy QAS program continues to deliver a pathway to the national and international stage in 2024.”
