Australia Queensland Premier League

Australia Queensland Premier League

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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.

**Australia Queensland Premier League (QPL) Overview**

The Australia Queensland Premier League (QPL) is a premier semi-professional soccer competition that showcases the best talent from Queensland, Australia. Established to promote the growth of soccer in the region, the QPL serves as a vital platform for clubs, players, and coaches to develop their skills and compete at a high level.

**Tournament Structure**

The QPL features a diverse array of teams from across Queensland, including both established clubs and emerging talent. The league operates on a promotion and relegation system, allowing for dynamic competition and opportunities for clubs to ascend to higher tiers. The season typically runs from late summer to early winter, culminating in a thrilling finals series that determines the league champion.

**Player Development and Community Engagement**

The QPL is not just about competition; it is also focused on player development and community engagement. Clubs are encouraged to invest in youth programs, fostering the next generation of soccer stars. The league promotes inclusivity and diversity, welcoming players from all backgrounds and skill levels.

**Fan Experience**

Fans of the QPL can expect an exciting atmosphere at matches, with passionate supporters cheering on their local teams. The league emphasizes community involvement, often hosting events and activities that bring fans closer to the game. From family-friendly match days to local rivalries, the QPL offers an engaging experience for soccer enthusiasts.

**Conclusion**

The Australia Queensland Premier League is a cornerstone of soccer in Queensland, providing a competitive environment for clubs and players while fostering community spirit. With its commitment to excellence and development, the QPL continues to elevate the standard of soccer in Australia, making it a must-watch for fans and a vital part of the sporting landscape.