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Wikipedia - Football Queensland Premier League
The Football Queensland Premier League (known by its abbreviation FQPL) is a men's soccer league contested by clubs in Queensland, Australia that consists of two divisions; FQPL 1 and FQPL 2. It is administered by Football Queensland and runs as the second and third tiers of football in Queensland, operated by a system of promotion and relegation. The league is contested by 12 clubs in each division each season, the team that finishes at the top of the league is crowned premiers and they are promoted to the Queensland National Premier League for Division 1 clubs, whilst the bottom three teams are relegated to Division 2. The teams that finish in the top four qualify for a finals tournament, where the winners of the bracket are crowned FQPL champions.
The FQPL 1 was founded in 2017, with the first season held in 2018. There was previously there was no second-tier statewide competition, instead there was only the Brisbane Premier League and subsequent Capital leagues which were the highest level of football competition in the state. FQPL 2 was founded in 2020, with the first season held in 2021.
The current champions and premiers are Brisbane City, crowning the 2021 season and earning promotion to the 2022 season of the Queensland National Premier League.
History
In May 2017, Football Queensland confirmed the creation of the new competition and the teams to take part in the 2018 season. Peninsula Power were both premiers and champions of the inaugural Football Queensland Premier league, earning promotion into the 2019 NPL Queensland season along with runner-up team Capalaba.
Following the foundation of the FQPL 1 in 2017, Football Queensland sought to extend and link the footballing pyramid in Queensland to a third tier. At the time, there was only regional leagues across Queensland representing a 'third tier' in Queensland and a 'fourth tier' across Australia. In late 2020, the idea of a third league of Queensland football was proposed and 29 teams expressed interest in joining. In November 2020, 15 teams from South-East Queensland submitted formal FQPL 2 applications and on the 25th of November 2020, Football Queensland announced that eight teams would participate in the inaugural FQPL 2 season beginning 2021. The 8 inaugural members of the new Football Queensland Premier league 2 were:
- Caboolture Sports
- Coomera Colts
- Grange Thistle
- Magic United
- North Star
- Samford Rangers
- Taringa Rovers
- Virginia United
The inaugural season of the FQPL 2 saw Caboolture Sports clinching the premiership, earning promotion to the 2022 FQPL 1. However, Grange Thistle won the championship from them in a 3–1 win over the premiers. In August 2021, Football Queensland announced that all its competitions would be temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. As a result, the inaugural season experienced delays which would not affect the validity competition.
In March 2020 and again in August 2021, Football Queensland announced that all its competitions would be temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia. In 2021, Football Queensland announced that Albany Creek Excelsior from Football Queensland Metro and Surfers Paradise Apollo from Football Queensland South Coast would join the Football Queensland Premier League 2 for the 2022 season. These teams would join the competition along with Wynnum Wolves, Holland Park Hawks and Souths United, who were the first teams relegated from the Football Queensland Premier League. Additionally, the 2022 season would see an introduction of a form of relegation where the worst performing team would be relegated out of the competition and back into their respective top-flight regional competition in South East Queensland. The regional zones as part of this streamline conference include South Coast, Darling Downs, Metro and Sunshine Coast, with the other zones located too far geographically to be sustainable. The 2022 season would have 12 clubs compete, the teams placed in 11th and 12th would be relegated to their respective FQPL 3 competition, and the teams placed 1st and 2nd would be promoted to the FQPL. The team that would place third would enter a playoff competition with the 10th placed team in the FQPL for a place in the competition for the following season.
In the 2023 season, Broadbeach United set the record for the highest points tally by a team in an FQPL 2 season, amassing 53 points as they won the premiership. The next season,in 2024 Holland Park Hawks also achieved a points total of 53, equaling Broadbeach's record.
The Australia Queensland Premier League 2 (QPL2) is an exciting semi-professional soccer league that serves as the second tier of the Queensland football pyramid. Established to promote and develop local talent, QPL2 features a competitive environment where clubs from across Queensland compete for glory and the chance to ascend to the higher echelons of the sport.
**Tournament Structure**
QPL2 operates on a league format, with teams playing each other in a round-robin style. Each season typically runs from late summer to early winter, culminating in a thrilling finale that determines the league champion. The top-performing teams have the opportunity to earn promotion to the Queensland Premier League (QPL), the state's premier soccer competition, while the lower-ranked teams face the challenge of avoiding relegation.
**Clubs and Community Engagement**
The league is home to a diverse array of clubs, ranging from established teams with rich histories to emerging clubs eager to make their mark. Each club is deeply rooted in its local community, fostering a strong sense of pride and support among fans. QPL2 matches are known for their vibrant atmospheres, with passionate supporters cheering on their teams, creating an electric environment that showcases the spirit of Australian soccer.
**Player Development and Pathways**
QPL2 plays a crucial role in the development of young talent, providing aspiring soccer players with the opportunity to showcase their skills on a competitive stage. Many players in the league are on the cusp of breaking into professional ranks, making it a vital stepping stone for those looking to advance their careers in soccer. The league emphasizes player development, with clubs often investing in youth academies and training programs to nurture the next generation of stars.
**Conclusion**
The Australia Queensland Premier League 2 is more than just a soccer tournament; it is a celebration of community, talent, and the beautiful game. With its competitive matches, passionate fans, and commitment to player development, QPL2 continues to be a vital part of Queensland's sporting landscape, contributing to the growth and popularity of soccer in Australia. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the sport, QPL2 promises thrilling action and unforgettable moments on the pitch.