Brisbane Roar and the Schools Premier League (SPL) are celebrating a successful first year of affiliation following the conclusion of the 2020 SPL seasons.
Brisbane Roar announced its affiliation with the SPL earlier in 2020 which has provided both an opportunity for the Roar to provide support to schools and its coaches as well as identification opportunities for Brisbane Roar Academy squads.
More than 1500 students from across 12 schools competed in four divisions during the 2020 campaign which wrapped up in late July.
Junior Girls Champions: Kelvin Grove State College
Junior Boys Champions: Kelvin Grove State College
Senior Girls Champions: Chancellor State College
Senior Boys Champions: Palm Beach Currumbin State High School
Brisbane Roar Head Coach Warren Moon says the affiliation provides numerous benefits to both parties.
“The affiliation between Brisbane Roar and the SPL is unique in that it allows programs at member schools to be unified alongside the full-time Academy set-ups in our Brisbane Roar squads,” Moon said.
“Having 12 SPL schools across South-East Queensland allows students to attend an elite football school and receive the best coaching in a full-time Academy structure through our shared vision and Brisbane Roar game model.
“It’s also terrific opportunity for kids at these schools to do what they love – play football. Additionally, it’s in a highly-competitive environment, alongside other talented young footballers.
“Additionally, the affiliation provides identification opportunities for our Brisbane Roar Academy sides. We want the best young footballers in Queensland in our programs and the SPL assists in that goal.
“There’s also plenty of development opportunities for staff and coaches which can only be beneficial for all involved.”
Next year’s edition of the tournaments will feature a 13th elite football school with Albany Creek State High School accepted in to the 2021 program.
“They [Albany Creek SHS] have met a set criteria. They have submitted their application and we are happy to have them involved in 2021,” Co-chair of the Queensland Schools Premier League Sean Curtis said.
“There are a number of additional schools who have expressed interest in joining – it’s great to see there’s plenty of interest in the SPL.”
Recruitment for the 2021 season has begun, but there’s plenty to happen on and off the field before schools break for the summer.
All SPL schools have secured access to an FFA-led B License coaching course which will be undertaken alongside Brisbane Roar Academy coaches at Meakin Park.
A group of select students will also have the chance to test themselves against Brisbane Roar Academy & Queensland Academy of Sport sides as part of two SPL Select outfits – one Senior Boys and a Senior Girls squad.
“One of the big things we wanted to develop upon in 2020 was our coach development,” Curtis continued.
“We then asked ourselves ‘how can we continue to grow?’ – we’ve put together two SPL Select squads, selected by coaches votes throughout the season.
“It will give another chance for these kids to be identified again as well as testing themselves against some of the best young players in Queensland.”
