To: FQ Academy Clubs
From: Football Queensland
Subject: New FQ Academy Recruitment Framework
Date: August 14, 2026
Dear Clubs,
In line with our commitment to strengthening the player development pathway, Football Queensland has been reviewing how player recruitment and trial processes are conducted across FQ Academy competitions and has established a new recruitment framework which will come into effect for all FQ Academy clubs ahead of the 2027 season.
While the current trial process has evolved over many years, it is increasingly clear that aspects of the existing approach are not conducive to effective talent identification or player welfare. Large-scale open trials can place significant pressure on young players and families, often creating uncertainty and anxiety while providing limited opportunity for clubs to assess players in meaningful football environments.
The current process can also undermine the considerable work clubs invest throughout the regular season. Clubs dedicate significant time and resources to coaching, developing, and observing players, yet the emphasis on open trial periods can diminish the value of ongoing talent identification and relationship-building that occurs over the course of the year.
To provide greater clarity, consistency and transparency and to better support players, families, clubs and coaches, Football Queensland has developed a new recruitment framework that is more player-centred, equitable, and better aligned with long-term development principles, reflecting contemporary best practice in talent identification and development.
The new process includes a reduced reliance on open trials and a greater expectation for FQ Academy Gold clubs to identify and secure playing positions earlier through robust, year-round talent identification and recruitment practices. Rather than concentrating recruitment into a short trial period, clubs will be encouraged to make informed decisions based on sustained observation and meaningful engagement with players throughout the season.
The orderly recruitment framework, which will be introduced ahead of the 2027 season and is outlined in further detail over the page, includes clearly defined timeframes that determine when clubs may conduct trial activity. Access to these recruitment windows will be linked to each club’s assessment and accreditation outcomes, recognising clubs that demonstrate strong governance, player development practices, and organisational capability.
New FQ Academy Recruitment Framework & Timeline
| W/C Monday 24 August | Clubs to receive badges from preliminary assessment, with choice to accept badge and lock in ‘EOI Open Trial’ window or enter the review phase |
| W/C Monday 7 September | Gold clubs can apply for ‘Open EOI Trial Access’ via this form |
| W/C Monday 14 September | Football Queensland to review and confirm Gold club age group EOI Trial Access |
| W/C Monday 21 September | All NON Gold and APPROVED Gold clubs may begin advertising EOI Trial Access – For age groups with spaces only |
*Under no circumstances can players be offered places in teams outside of their eligible age group pending a Football Queensland dispensation, and disciplinary action will be taken against any clubs who continue to engage in this practice for the 2027 season.
Trial Periods
| W/C Monday 5 October | EOI Trials for Gold & Silver clubs – (Gold clubs will be encouraged to run trial numbers in relation to positions available per age group as communicated in their EOI Trial Approval Plan) |
| W/C Monday 12 October | Silver Clubs Only EOI Trials – NO open Trials for Gold or Bronze |
| W/C Monday 19 October | Bronze Clubs Only EOI Trials – NO Open Trials for Gold or Silver clubs |
| W/C Monday 26 October | Bronze Clubs Only EOI Trials (if required) – NO Open Trials for Gold or Silver clubs. Trials should aim to be all concluded by the month of October |
Process for FQ Academy Clubs
Once clubs have received their rating, they will be required to follow the process below.
Clubs in the same geographical area with the same rating are encouraged to coordinate sessions to avoid conflicting session dates.
GOLD CLUB RATING
- Complete the EOI OPEN TRIAL form for each age group that requires a trial.
- Once Approval is received, 7 days later, Gold Clubs can run the ‘open trial’ component in Week 1 – W/C Monday 5 October ONLY.
SILVER CLUB RATING
- Open Trial Delivery both W/C Monday 5 October AND W/C Monday 12 October.
- ALL EOI advertisements to reference teams with availability only and no sooner than Monday 21st September.
BRONZE CLUB RATING
- Open Trial Delivery both W/C Monday 19 October AND W/C Monday 26 October.
- ALL EOI advertisements to reference teams with availability only and no sooner than Monday 21 September.
The new framework has been designed to create a recruitment environment that prioritises the needs of young players while supporting clubs to recruit more effectively and strategically. By providing greater structure and consistency, we can reduce unnecessary movement and foster a system that rewards quality development throughout the season rather than short-term selection events.
Further development and improvement in this space will be an ongoing and collaborative effort. In the advanced leagues, clubs will ideally move away from an open trial period as much as possible and instead rely on best practice delivery of talent identification, assessing players over a longer period of time. Football Queensland encourages clubs to explore Long Term Placement Agreements, with FQ’s Club Development Ambassadors and Technical team available to support clubs in this process.
Football Queensland recognises that the introduction of the new process represents a significant change, and we are committed to working closely with clubs throughout its implementation to ensure we can build a fairer and more transparent recruitment framework to better support the long-term development of players and the continued growth of the game.
Click here to view FAQs relating to the new FQ Academy recruitment framework.
For any queries not outlined in the FAQs document above, please contact Football Queensland via technical@footballqueensland.com.au
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