It has been a successful season for the Brisbane Roar Football Club Academy with our Under 14, Under 15, Under 18, and Under 23 teams, all reaching the National Premier League (NPL) Queensland Grand Final.
It was fantastic to see the Under 15 and Under 23 teams go on to win their Grand Finals.
As the only Isuzu UTE A-League team in Queensland, Brisbane Roar are proud to support a pathway for the junior players in the state to have professional football opportunities.
Brisbane Roar also recognise that Football Queensland works with NPL clubs and players, across the state, and that these clubs are the backbone for development, particularly for junior players.
Therefore, Brisbane Roar have made the difficult decision to focus on the development of players from the age of 16 and up that are eligible for the Under 23’s and NPL men’s squad.
As a result, the Brisbane Roar Football Club Academy Under 14 to Under 18 programs will cease to operate. The Under 13’s has been removed under the new Football Queensland model.
The decision to refocus our youth development efforts on the direct pathway to professional football with our Under 23 and Men’s teams, will see them remain active in the NPL Queensland competitions and as a direct pathway into Brisbane Roar’s Isuzu UTE A-League squad.
Brisbane Roar will also expand the Under 23 squad, offering more players from across Queensland the chance to foster their development once they approach senior football.
Brisbane Roar will continue to play an important role in supporting and identifying young talent and will actively offer technical support to clubs.
It has been a difficult decision for Brisbane Roar to make but believe this will be the best decision for Queensland’s young football players. The Club will be able to provide greater focus and resources into the technical and support aspects of player development once they enter the Under 23 or Men’s teams.
Brisbane Roar would like to extend our thanks to the coaches, staff, players, and families for their contribution to the Academy.
