Queensland's Pathway to National Teams
The FQ Academy is Football Australia’s only recognised and approved advanced pathway program in Queensland for state team selection and progression to national teams. Based locally throughout the state, the FQ Academy provides integrated advanced junior competitions, carnivals and clinics across the state paired with extensive talent identification opportunities for state and national team programs.
The FQ Academy connects all talent across the state from advanced clubs and regional development centres, aligning with national programs for technical direction and delivery, coach education and development. It is heavily focused on club development and building capacity which drives technical outcomes through FQ’s ‘best practice’ model in player development, which includes extensive club assessment criteria and quality control measures.
Within the 85,000 club-based players across Queensland, approximately 3,000 reside within the FQ Academy system. The talented players that will end up in Queensland state teams each year equate to more than 100 boys and 100 girls, with approximately 10% of these players eventually progressing to national team representation.
FQ Academy Players on the National and Global Stage
Lucas Herrington
Thomas Waddingham
Grace Kuilamu
Daisy Brown
Lily Punch
Isabela Hoyos
Zara Kruger
Shelby McMahon
Ella O'Grady
Tamar Levin
Indiah-Paige Riley
Jonti Fisher
Jamilla Rankin
Ellen Gett
Holly McQueen
Charlie Gibson
Hollie Palmer
Mia Bailey
The Latest FQ Academy News
Players, coaches and families from across the FQ Academy QAS program came together to celebrate the 2026 season at the end-of-year awards celebration held on Sunday 🏆⚽
Lily Punch was presented with the Sue Monteath Award for 2026 FQ Academy QAS Player of Year after a standout season, while individual achievements across all age groups were honoured alongside national team call-ups and milestone and graduating players.
View full list of award winners on the FQ website.
#FQAcademy
Football Queensland’s Club Assessment Rank Score continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the #FQAcademy Leagues ⚽
Each club has received a quality assured academy rating of Gold, Silver, Bronze or Development Committed through the culmination of the evaluation process, which included assessment across 1,500 data points covering 75 weighted criteria.
FQ`s annual Club Development Assessment process is aligned with global best practice and ensures the delivery of quality assured club programs and defined pathways for young players.
The Club Assessment Rank Score provides access to the FQ Academy Leagues, with the Declaration of Leagues to be confirmed next week.
#FootballinQueenslandUnited
A huge congratulations to the three Queenslanders selected to represent Australia at the FIFA U-15 Youth World Cup 🌏🇦🇺
Following outstanding performances throughout their #FQAcademy pathway, Codey Huston, Nathan Kirby and Harlan Strugnell have earned selection in the Australian squad set to compete at the FIFA U-15 Youth World Cup this October.
Their call-up continues a remarkable year for Queensland football, with 10 Queensland State Team players now selected for national team duties in 2026, highlighting the strength of the #FQAcademy pathway and the bright future of the game in our state.
The #FQAcademy League Grand Finals are here 🙌
Some of Queensland`s brightest young footballers are set to take centre stage this weekend as teams battle for Championship glory across Luxury Paints Stadium, AJ Kelly Park, Carmichael Park and Moreton Bay Sports Complex.
With silverware on the line and a season`s worth of hard work culminating in one final challenge, expect plenty of quality football as the state`s premier youth talent goes head-to-head in pursuit of Grand Final success!
📲 Head to Squadi to see the full fixture details
The #KappaQueenslandCup U18 finalists are locked in 🔥
Four thrilling semifinals highlighted the quality and depth of talent emerging through the #FQAcademy League pathway, with the U18 finalists now confirmed ahead of what`s set to be a blockbuster Finals Day at Spencer Park this August.
🎟️ Be there when the next generation takes centre stage at Spencer Park on Saturday, 22 August, secure your tickets now via the FQ website
