Football Queensland (FQ) marked a year of impressive progress in youth and junior football within the Northern region as the FQ Academy, Queensland’s only nationally recognised and approved player pathway to state and national representation, continued to lead the way in advanced player and club development.
“2024 has been a tremendous year for football in the Northern region, with significant strides in player development as the FQ Academy continues to play a pivotal role in providing young athletes with access to world-class coaching and competitive platforms that continue to raise the standard of football in the region,” FQ General Manager – Football & State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer said.
“Under the expert leadership of Michael Edwards, Senior Manager of Technical in the Northern Conference, the region has seen remarkable growth, including the doubling of players at the FQ Academy Development Hub in Ayr in 2024. As an AFC/FA Pro Diploma coach, Michael has played a key role in positioning the region and the local clubs to develop the next generation of Socceroos and Matildas.
“One of the most notable achievements of the year was the successful completion of the Tier 2 Club Development assessment by three local clubs – MA Olympic, Riverway JCU, and Brothers Townsville. This historic milestone marks the first time that clubs in the Northern region have achieved this and reflects the effectiveness of our technical strategy and the strong commitment these clubs have to investing in the development of their players and coaches.
“The progress seen throughout the region is the result of a sustained, long-term approach to player development, with a focus on upskilling coaches and equipping clubs with the tools and resources they need to ensure all players are supported at every stage of their journey.”
In 2024, the FQ Academy continued to demonstrate strong progress in the Northern region, with over 150 players participating across the U9 to U16 age groups, reflecting the positive impact in aligning with Football Australia’s national technical standards, offering a clear pathway for local players to develop and advance in the sport.
A significant accomplishment was the selection of 10 players from the region in the Queensland state teams that competed at the Girls and Boys National Youth Championships in Melbourne and Wollongong, highlighting the academy’s ongoing success in identifying, developing and nurturing top local football talent.
“The inclusion of local players in the Queensland state teams highlights the significant impact of the continued investment in Northern football programs, helping to elevate talented athletes to elite levels of competition,” FQ Senior Manager – Technical (Northern Conference) Michael Edwards said.
“This year, we saw also our FQ Academy teams achieve exceptional results, including the Northern Red Under 14 Girls claiming the Silver Cup at the Pacific Championships State of Origin Cup and the Under 14 Boys FQ Academy Northern and FNG team securing the State Championship title at the FQ Academy State Championships.
“Such performances demonstrate the success of our development programs, with players consistently showcasing not only advanced technical skills but also strong teamwork and sportsmanship–qualities that set the foundation for their growth as well-rounded athletes, both individually and within a team.
“The foundation we’ve laid this year, with the FQ Academy at the forefront, will not only set the stage for greater success in the years to come but also drive the continued growth of football in the Northern region and beyond, ensuring clear and accessible pathways for all players to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.”
As Football Queensland looks to 2025, the focus remains on strengthening coaching expertise and continuing to elevate player development across the Northern region. By creating a thriving football ecosystem, FQ aims to support players, coaches, and clubs at every level, ensuring that the region’s football community continues to grow and succeed.
