Over 200 young female footballers and 22 teams took part in Football Queensland (FQ)’s Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) Girls State Carnival at Meakin Park over the weekend.

250 spectators were in attendance for the two-day event held on Saturday, 22 August and Sunday, 23 August, with Under 9/10 and Under 11/12 teams participating from four regions; Central Queensland, North Queensland, Far North Queensland and South East Queensland.

“It was fantastic to welcome players from both South East Queensland and regional Queensland to Football Queensland headquarters at Meakin Park for this year’s SAP Girls State Carnival,” State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer said.

“There was some amazing talent on show as the young footballers came up against their peers from other teams and regions and as well as the players, Queensland’s best female coaches also enjoyed the two-day event.

“Junior Matildas Head Coach Rae Dower, who also acts as Coach Mentor for Football Queensland’s QAS Girls Academy, led the talent identification process and held a talent ID workshop educating five other advanced licensed female coaches.

“FQ Technical Staff and QAS coaches were also in attendance across both days to watch the matches, while our QAS Girls players refereed the majority of games at the carnival which was great to see.

“Thank you to all the players, coaches and families who helped make the SAP Girls State Carnival an extremely enjoyable and successful event, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.”

“The SAP Girls State Carnival provided a fantastic opportunity for players in the Skill Acquisition Phase to enjoy playing football in a 9-a-side playing format against other girls, and the key motivation was very much about building a love for the game,” FQ Participation Manager (Women and Girls) Kerry Hammersley said.

“One of the highlights was not only seeing the players enjoying themselves on the field of play, but also observing the wonderful bonds, friendships and learning that happen off-field.

“After the recent announcement of Australia and New Zealand’s successful 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosting bid, Football Queensland is hopeful that we will see more girls than ever before participating in the 2021 SAP Girls State Carnival.”

Participating Teams

Under 9/10

Eastern Suburbs
Far North Queensland
Gap FC
Logan Lightning
UQFC
Gold Coast United
Sunshine Coast United
North Queensland

Under 11/12

Central Queensland
Far North Queensland
Eastern Suburbs
Logan Lightning
Souths United
UQFC
Gap FC
Mitchelton FC
Peninsula Power
Virginia United
North Queensland
Sunshine Coast United
Moreton Bay United
Gold Coast United

Image: Michele Campbell