On September 9th 2022, Football Queensland introduced a new regulation which prohibited us from continuing our under 13 academy team. As a result of this change, we conducted an internal review into our youth development system.
The review determined that the Club would be better placed to focus its development in the long term on players from 15 years of age, when they are on the cusp of becoming professional players.
Brisbane Roar recognises the importance of youth development and that NPL Clubs hold extensive coverage and experience in this space. As the only A-League Club in Queensland, it was determined that we would be better placed supporting NPL Clubs instead of competing with them while focusing directly on the pathway into our professional teams.
We have listened to our fans and want to assure them that we did not take this decision lightly, and that our commitment to creating opportunities for young talent remains strong.
Brisbane Roar is adopting a system that is already in place in the A-League and is in line with Football Australia’s licensing regulations. Both Football Queensland and Football Australia were consulted prior to the announcement.