Football Queensland thanks all participants and clubs for their ongoing patience, and will keep the community informed as we navigate this process. 

We look forward to seeing matches played across the state in the coming weeks.

The post Football Queensland statement regarding impact of wet weather on 2025 season appeared first on Football Queensland.

Based in Cairns’ southern corridor, the Comets have grown their female participation by 65% in just two years, up from 90 players registered in 2023 to 146 last year. With a clear goal of 50/50 gender parity on track to be achieved by 2027, the Comets are setting the benchmark for what’s possible through a strategic, whole-of-club commitment. 

“We’re not just focused on numbers and percentages, we’re building the structures that help girls and women not only at our club but also in our community feel seen, supported and valued, and our growth in recent years is a direct result of that commitment,” Southside Comets President Keiren O’Brien said. 

Women now make up 75% of the club’s executive committee and 80% of the general committee – the highest in club history. The Comets have also appointed their first Women and Girls Ambassador, Tina Dillon, a long-standing volunteer, committee member and coach who continues to be a role model for young players. 

The club is also building a clear pathway for female coach development through women-only education sessions and structured support from entry-level courses to C Diploma licences, with the senior women’s squad and all junior girls teams now led by advanced qualified coaches passionate about advancing the female game. 

A successful partnership with nearby Bentley Park College, the largest school in Far North Queensland, has also helped the club engage more school-aged girls as players and referees. 

“The college is located close to our home ground in Edmonton, so all of their football games and football development programs are run by the school at our club venue. It’s created a fantastic pathway for young girls to get involved from the start,” O’Brien said. 

To support their rapid growth, the club is constructing new female-friendly changerooms and a dedicated referee’s room between their two main fields. Safety improvements, including venue security cameras and fencing to separate spectator areas, have also enhanced the experience for all players and families. 

“Leadership, coaching, visibility, facilities and safety, they all matter to us and to our club. Our success comes from making women and girls a genuine priority in everything we do,” O’Brien concluded. 

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci praised the club’s proactive approach and highlighted its role in the broader state-wide movement for equity. 

“As we work towards our One Football strategic target of 50/50 gender parity across Queensland, Southside Comets are a great example of what’s possible when a club puts the long-term success of women and girls at the centre of its development,” Cavallucci said. 

“With initiatives like our Girls United programs and female-only coach and referee education courses, strong foundations a being laid for the female game and clubs across the state and clubs like Southside Comets are helping to deliver real and sustainable outcomes for their local communities. 

“Women and girls are the future of our game, and we’ll continue to support them and clubs like Southside Comets who are welcoming and driving the change to make our game the game for all, for life.” 

The post Southside Comets on track for 50/50 parity as female football flourishes at the Far North club  appeared first on Football Queensland.

A respected figure in the local football community, Holly has been a passionate advocate for women and girls, serving as both a coordinator and coach in the Rockhampton area. Her longstanding involvement with the FQ Academy, first as a parent and later as a junior team coach, has also provided her with a strong understanding of the development pathway and the broader football ecosystem. 

With over a decade of experience at community football clubs within the Central Coast, Holly brings valuable insights into the region’s unique strengths and challenges. 

“I’m looking forward to supporting young players as they progress through the ranks, helping nurture their skills, confidence and love for the game,” Johnson said. 

“The strength of our community lies in its people, from tireless volunteers to experienced coaches who act as mentors and role models. I’m excited to support and develop these coaches so they can continue to guide the next generation.” 

“My vision is for a united Central Coast football community that is inclusive, empowered, and recognised for producing quality players, coaches, and volunteers.” 

FQ General Manager – Central Coast Region, Jordie Gerbes, said Holly’s appointment represents an exciting step forward for football in the region. 

“We are excited to welcome Holly Johnson as our new Central Coast CDA & Community Engagement Officer, a familiar face to many through her years of hands-on involvement at the community level,” Gerbes said.   

“In addition to her knowledge of the region, Holly’s leadership in the women and girls space will be a valuable asset as we continue working toward our strategic target of 50/50 gender parity in participation by 2027. Her understanding of the barriers and opportunities for female players will help create more inclusive, accessible environments that enable all participants to thrive. 

“Holly’s role will span both Game Development and Technical areas, and her relationships with local clubs will help her support the continued growth of football in the Central Coast. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the positive contributions she’ll make.” 

The post Football Queensland appoints Holly Johnson as Central Coast Club Development Ambassador & Community Engagement Officer appeared first on Football Queensland.

For the duration of the year-long term, Optus’ presence will be felt throughout FQ’s precincts in Cairns and Townsville, supporting and celebrating grassroots football with signage and activations.

Craig Ramage, FQ General Manager – Northern Conference said the partnership will be invaluable for local communities and reinforces FQ’s priority of strengthening regional football.

“Football Queensland is excited to expand its long-standing relationship with Optus as we enter into a thriving partnership in the Northern and Far North & Gulf regions,” Ramage said.

“It is excellent to have a brand as prominent as Optus recognise the importance of grassroots football in regional areas.

“Optus’ year-long support will provide a crucial boost that directly benefits clubs and participants across the region, strengthening communities and actively contributing to FQ’s vision for the future of football.”

Optus General Manager North Queensland, Dave Morrissey highlighted the significance of the North Queensland football community and Optus’ role in watching the next generation grow into football stars.

“It is our absolute pleasure to partner with Football Queensland’s Northern and Far North regions. It is great to get to watch the next generation of young players grow their skills and love for the game, and we appreciate all the support we get in return from the local community,” Morrissey said.

The Northern and Far North football communities attending games and events at both Paradise Park and Macca’s Park can expect to see Optus around the grounds throughout the length of the partnership.

The post FQ welcomes Optus as Official Telecommunications Partner in Northern and Far North & Gulf regions appeared first on Football Queensland.

The renewed agreement will see Uberline continue to support football clubs and facilities across Queensland with consistent and easy access to quality line marking products and services, helping to maintain safe and professional fields in every region.

“Uberline has been a great partner for our clubs and volunteers across Queensland, and we’re proud to extend this relationship for another two years,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.

“As we continue to lift the quality and profile of our competitions statewide, access to specialist products and services like Uberline’s is vital. High-quality field presentation is critical not only for the look of our venues, but for providing safe, enjoyable experiences for participants of all ages.

“Since our partnership began in 2023, Uberline has provided valuable support to clubs and FQ venues alike, helping to ease the workload for volunteers and maintain high standards across the board. We look forward to continuing that work together.

Uberline General Manager Lee Thomas said the company was proud to continue its support for the Queensland football community.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Football Queensland and to support the dedicated clubs and volunteers who are the backbone of the game,” Thomas said.

“At Uberline, we’re passionate about delivering high-quality solutions that help create safe, professional playing environments for every player, at every level. We look forward to building on the great progress we’ve made together.”

Click here for more information on Uberline’s full range of products and services.

The post Uberline extends partnership with Football Queensland, remaining FQ’s Official Line Marking Partner appeared first on Football Queensland.

An investigation is also underway regarding the online conduct of registered members of Caboolture Sports FC following the postponement of the fixture, including the alleged leaking of material to social media outlets.

Clubs are reminded that any substantiated misconduct in the process of postponing fixtures, or breaches of the Wet Weather Postponement Process, may be sanctioned under the 2025 Advanced Rules of Competition and Disciplinary Regulations.

The post Football Queensland statement regarding FQPL 1 Men’s Round 9 fixture appeared first on Football Queensland.

Established in 1949, the Toowoomba-based club is recognised as one of Queensland’s oldest, and while proud of its long-standing history in the area, Willowburn continues to evolve and move forward, building on its core values of community, respect and inclusion. That approach is especially evident in its commitment to growing and advancing the women and girls’ game. 

“Our club is more than just a football club, we’re a community,” Willowburn FC President Tim Kruger said. 

“Our players wear the black and white jersey with pride, and we’re especially proud that our women’s teams are rising rapidly in strength and success, right alongside our men’s teams.” 

In just two years, the club has nearly doubled its senior female playing group, growing from 35 players in 2023 to almost 60 in 2025. Its youth female program has also tripled, and for the first time in club history, Willowburn now fields two all-girls MiniRoos teams. The number of female coaches at the club has also grown, with nearly triple the number involved in 2025 compared to previous seasons. 

Amanda Kelly, Willowburn’s Women and Girls Ambassador, said these wins are part of a broader plan at the club to create more opportunities for female players at every level, with the Club Changer program helping to shape that direction. 

“Our biggest wins have been in the significant growth of female player numbers across all levels, from our MiniRoos all the way up to our seniors, with the introduction of the Girls United program playing a huge role in this growth,” Kelly said. 

“The program gave us a clear plan and helped us access grants that made football more affordable for female players. 

“It’s not just another task when you take the time to map out your goals and identify the right people to lead, it becomes a powerful tool for growth.” 

Willowburn’s development and momentum isn’t just showing in its growing player numbers, it is also showing on the pitch. The club’s FQPL 3 Darling Downs Women’s team has dominated the regional competition for years, regularly finishing as minor premiers and making another Grand Final appearance in 2024. Both of the club’s Girls United teams also claimed back-to-back championships last season.   

Club Secretary Jo Kruger said the club’s success comes down to a strong development environment. 

“Our teams’ success is a direct result of the environment we’ve created – one where girls and women are coached to a high standard, encouraged, and supported to succeed.” 

Looking ahead, Willowburn is exploring new initiatives including a junior academy-style training program for female players, while continuing to grow the game across all age groups. 

“Willowburn FC is a place where everyone belongs. We’re proud of where we have come from and our traditions, but we’re also equally excited about what’s to come,” Kruger concluded. 

If your club is interested to learn more about the Club Changer program, please contact FQ’s Club Changer State Program Manager Sean Kelly via email at: community@footballqueensland.com.au  

The post Willowburn FC named April 2025 Club Changer Club of the Month appeared first on Football Queensland.

Through this continued collaboration, Gow-Gates will provide FQ members, clubs, and participants with the Sport Insurance Program, offering comprehensive coverage and access to additional brokerage services, including workers’ compensation, business, and personal insurance.  

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci welcomed the partnership extension, highlighting its ongoing impact and benefits for the Queensland football community.  

“Gow-Gates has been a valued partner of Football Queensland for many years, ensuring our players, coaches, referees, and clubs have the protection they need to participate in our great game with confidence,” Cavallucci said.  

“With the extension of the partnership, we’re strengthening our commitment to the wellbeing of our football community, delivering security and peace of mind so everyone – whether on or off the field – can focus on what they love.” 

Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers CEO Tom Gow-Gates expressed his support for Football Queensland and its ongoing impact on the game. 

“Football Queensland plays a vital role in developing the game at every level, and we’re proud to stand alongside them as they continue to grow and strengthen the community across the state,” Gow-Gates said. 

“Our role is to help ensure players, clubs, and volunteers can focus on what matters most, with the confidence that they’re supported by insurance solutions designed for their unique needs.” 

Through this partnership extension, Football Queensland and Gow-Gates will continue to enhance service levels and drive efficiencies ensuring the game remains accessible and well-supported at all levels in 2025. 

Find out more about the Sport Insurance Program here.

The post Football Queensland extends partnership with Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers   appeared first on Football Queensland.

The Future of Football reforms implemented by FQ in 2020 led a statewide master planning process, guided by needs analysis across Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Mount Isa. These plans formed the basis of a targeted government engagement strategy, aligning community needs with a clear path to delivery. 

“Our Northern regions have always been strongholds for our game, but their infrastructure needs were overlooked for too long. That’s changing now as we’re now seeing government recognition and support starting to match the scale of football in the region – particularly in the Far North, where participation has grown by over 28% in 2024,” Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said. 

“In addition to our direct investments into the four Northern hubs each year, our government engagement strategy led by the #EQUALISER campaign has delivered record infrastructure funding commitments statewide, including over $6 million in pre-election commitments during the 2024 state election for North Queensland and currently sitting at more than $9 million ahead of May’s federal election.” 

In the Whitsunday Coast, the implementation of the master plan at Mackay Football Park has already led to significant investment for new changerooms, seating and upgrades to field maintenance capabilities. FQ also secured the lease on additional greenspace to expand the site’s carpark, improving safety and accessibility, supported by $800,000 in funding secured through the 2024 state election. 

In the Far North and Gulf, a recent $4.1 million bipartisan federal commitment ahead of May’s federal election is advancing the delivery of the Macca’s Park master plan in Cairns, with new amenities including change rooms and a Centre of Excellence set to further elevate the venue’s critical role in the region.  

In the North West, over $600,000 in funding is supporting the revitalisation of the Mt Isa Football Park, with major improvements currently underway, including the construction of new female changerooms and upgraded amenities, lifting the overall functionality of the venue to better serve the local football community.

In Townsville, the advancements of the Paradise Park master plan continue as FQ works with government to secure funding for a synthetic pitch to enable safe, year-round football activities for over 5,000 participants. 

Alongside the major football hubs, funding is also reaching local clubs across the Northern Conference, with over $2 million in pre-election commitments made supporting lighting upgrades, surface improvements and amenity enhancements to keep pace with rising participation. 

“These record funding outcomes reflect FQ’s long-term strategic plan for regional infrastructure investment. The Future of Football reforms were critical in enabling FQ to advocate for investment through one unified voice to government. Progress is continuing to be made through a measured approach, as we invest over the next five years to bring to life and deliver the four master plans,” Cavallucci added. 

Football Queensland will continue to work with all levels of government in the lead-up to the 2025 federal election and beyond, progressing priority projects and ensuring the voice of regional football remains front and centre. 

The post Football Queensland master plans driving record infrastructure investment in the Northern Conference  appeared first on Football Queensland.

FFW is a nationwide initiative that highlights the critical role women and girls play in the football community whilst celebrating their achievements across every area of the game.  

“Our game’s national target is to achieve 50/50 gender parity in participation by 2027, and Football Queensland is committed to accomplishing this through ensuring football is accessible to all and reflective of a modern and dynamic Queensland,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said. 

“We’re determined to prioritise meeting the increasing demands of our rapidly growing participation base by creating a football experience that is meaningful to women and girls and providing more opportunities for female participation and progression in every part of our game. 

“With Female Football Week being a focal point of the Football Queensland calendar, we encourage our football community to come together and join us in celebrating the contributions of women and girls within our game by getting involved in the many events and activations being held across the state.” 

Click here to view the full list of Football Queensland and club activations to be held during Female Football Week. 

Football Queensland Programs 

In celebration of Female Football Week, FQ will deliver a range of events and programs across the state to allow women and girls of all ages and skill levels to get involved in the game, including: 

Girls United: 

• Social Sessions: South Coast and the Sunshine Coast (Gympie)

• Leagues: Metro North, Metro South, Wide Bay, Central Coast, Whitsunday Coast, Darling Downs, Northern and the Sunshine Coast

• Carnivals: Metro (U6-9) 

Q-League: 

• School Girls Round: Metro South 

Register for a program and find out more here. 

Female-Only Coaching and Referee Courses 

Football Queensland is committed to developing and upskilling referees and coaches across the state, and will deliver a host of female-only coaching and referee courses throughout Female Football Week. 

Click here to register for a course. 

Football Queensland will also host a special referee webinar event, “Her Whistle, Her Story”, featuring special guest presenter and A-League Women’s match official, Delfina Shakespeare from Sport Integrity Australia. 

Women’s Football Round 

Women’s Football Round will return in 2025, running across both weekends of FFW and coinciding with Mother’s Day as we celebrate the contributions of women and girls both on and off the field.  

Football Queensland is excited to host the NPL Women’s Magic Round at Nudgee Recreation Reserve on Friday, 9 May and Saturday, 10 May, featuring five must-watch matches as we celebrate the talent of Queensland’s top female footballers while showcasing pathway opportunities for young female players. 

The Central Coast region will also host a Magic Round on Saturday, 10 May at Frenchville Sports Club kicking off at 12:30pm, featuring a Community North & South Women’s Exhibition Match between Capricorn Coast FC and Yaralla FC, MiniRoos Half Time Heroes appearances, and all three blockbuster FQPL Central Coast Women’s matches.

Darling Downs Junior Girls Day 

Football Queensland will host a Darling Downs Junior Girls Day on Saturday,10 May at Captain Cook Park, with games running from 9:00am until 1:00pm featuring Under 7 to Under 13 Girls teams. 

Club Events and Submissions  

Football Queensland encourages clubs to get involved in FFW celebrations by hosting their own activations and events. 

These can include come & try days, female football seminars, bring a friend sessions, barbecues and other initiatives.  

For additional promotion and support, clubs should submit the details of their events to FQ here.  

Be sure to use the hashtags #WeRise, #YehTheGirls, and #FemaleFootballWeek when posting about your event on social media. 

Female Football Week Awards 

To acknowledge individuals and clubs across the state for their outstanding efforts and achievements within the women’s game, FQ will feature Female Football Week Award winners across our website and social media channels throughout Female Football Week. 

State winners will also be considered as nominees for Football Australia’s National Female Football Week Awards. 

Football Australia Webinar Series  

Football Australia will host two webinars throughout Female Football Week, showcasing and highlighting the women who make up the Australian football ecosystem. 

• Coaching Webinar: Supporting High-Performing Teams Off-Field 

• Officiating Webinar: Refereeing role models and pathways for females in football 

Click here for more information and to register now. 

The post 2025 Female Football Week to celebrate the contributions of women and girls across Queensland appeared first on Football Queensland.