FQ Academy Northern Conference Youth Carnival

Welcome to Paradise Park in Townsville for the first FQ Academy Youth event for the 2024 season.   

Football Queensland wishes to acknowledge the Bindal and Wulgurukaba People, the traditional custodians of the lands on which we gather to play this weekend and we pay our respects to their elders past and present.  FQ extends that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the event. 

We welcome the players and their coaches to this event and look forward with anticipation to competitive games that demonstrate sound football-based competencies as well as good team spirit and sporting behaviour. 

With the alterations to the Football Australia dates for the National Youth Championships this year, this event will play a very important part in the identification process for players seeking State representation in the older age groups (U15-17 Girls & U15 and U16 Boys) as the timeframe for State team selection has shortened significantly this year.  Townsville, South Pines in April and Mackay in May are hugely important for the players aspiring for State selection.  The State team selectors are very much aware, however, that this is the first event for the year and individual and team performances are still developing after some time away during the Christmas period. 

For players in the U14 age groups (boys and girls), this tournament also begins a process of identification for possible State selection for a tournament in September.  For the developing U13 players, this year is the start of your identification process, so be aware that FQ staff will be watching your games carefully too. 

Success is, of course, measured in different ways and we will look to see how the players implement their individual competencies, practiced and refined at training sessions, into team play.  Whilst individual skill is crucial, the timing, context and execution of footballing actions are also important.  Whilst we expect players to perform at a strong level, we understand that development is a progression, with players progressing at different rates and in different aspects of the game. 

Thanks to all our match officials for their assistance with ensuring the carnival is managed according to the Laws of the Game.   

For those watching the games, welcome too, as we need you to encourage and applaud effort and good play.  Your presence to support the players is very much appreciated.   

We wish all involved an enjoyable and satisfying weekend.