MEMO 12 – 26 

To: FQ Academy Clubs 

From: Football Queensland 

Subject: FQ Academy Leagues Junior Playing Formats 

Date: August 10, 2026 

Dear Clubs,

In line with our commitment to providing the best possible development environment for young players, Football Queensland regularly reviews its alignment with global best practice and the evidence-based evolving formats of play. 

We acknowledge it has been a number of years since Football Queensland has adjusted the junior playing formats, however, to better support the technical, tactical, physical and social development of every player, Football Queensland is implementing amendments to junior team formats commencing with the FQ Academy Leagues from 2027. 

The FQ Academy Leagues Under 10 cohort will transition from 9v9 to a 7v7 smaller sided format from 2027, while the Under 11 cohort will transition to 7v7 in 2028. There will be no changes to Under 12 and Under 13 age groups who will continue to play in a 9v9 format. 

The implementation of amendments to FQ Academy Leagues junior team formats follows extensive and ongoing consultation with FQ Academy Leagues clubs and Technical Directors throughout the year. 

Amendments to FQ Academy Leagues Junior Team Formats from 2027 

 

*Please note there will be no change to field sizes for 2027. 

Extensive research consistently demonstrates that smaller-sided game formats provide players with significantly more meaningful involvement in the game. With fewer players on the pitch, each individual has more touches of the ball, more opportunities to make decisions, greater involvement in attacking and defending situations, and increased chances to develop technical skills in realistic game environments. Ultimately, more involvement leads to more learning. 

Smaller-sided game formats are not unique to football in Queensland, and many of the world’s leading football nations and federations have already implemented, or are in the process of implementing, smaller-sided formats within their junior development pathways. These changes reflect a growing international consensus on what provides the most effective environment for long-term player development and aligns with global best practice. 

While we recognise that any change requires adjustment, Football Queensland’s responsibility is to create the best possible experience for young players. By adopting formats that maximise engagement, learning, and enjoyment, we can provide players with more opportunities to develop the skills, confidence, and decision-making abilities that will benefit them throughout their football journey. 

We value the ongoing support of our clubs and look forward to working together to ensure these changes are implemented successfully for the benefit of all young players. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to player development. 

Any further queries can be directed to Football Queensland via programs@footballqueensland.com.au 

End.