Football Queensland introduces new Futsal pyramid

Staff Writer
Football Queensland Futsal
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Football Queensland (FQ) have announced the launch of the FQ Futsal Premier League in a significant overhaul of the ongoing FQ Futsal competition structure. 

As part of the implementation of the FQ Futsal Strategy, the introduction of the FQ Futsal Premier League will create significant further growth opportunities in the form of a connected futsal pyramid. 

Senior futsal competitions in South East Queensland will be reorganised to build the foundations of a connected futsal pyramid.

FQ will introduce multiple tiers of FQ Futsal Premier Leagues for both senior men and women, with the F-League acting as the highest tier in the Futsal pyramid. 

“This is a monumental moment in the sport as we transition from an organic approach to growing the game, to one that provides clubs and players with a genuine pathway to represent Queensland,” FQ Manager – Futsal Vince Sciacca said. 

“There has been significant interest from existing and emerging futsal clubs wanting to join the state governing body as an FQ affiliated sport; this will provide them with the same level of governance framework such as player registration, competition management and member protection that exists in all other major sports. 

“This is part of the ongoing implementation of the FQ Futsal Strategy which is reforming the game and providing a long term sustainable model for the sport whilst we continue to foster the growth and development of clubs across the state.” 

In the junior competitions, the SEQ Futsal Premier League will be renamed the FQ Academy Futsal League as the top tier of the junior futsal pyramid – which will see the best young players in SEQ go head to head. 

Following its introduction earlier this year, the new FQ Junior Futsal Premier League will form the junior second tier through region based competitions.  

The 2025 season will see the introduction of promotion and relegation within the Queensland futsal pyramid for both senior and junior competitions, offering more opportunities for aspirational futsal clubs and providing a connected pyramid in the state. 

Regional futsal development will also be boosted within the new FQ futsal structure, following on from the successful FQ School Futsal Regional Championships launched this year. 

FQ will deliver the regionally centred competitions for both seniors and juniors to support current and emerging regional competition management centres, providing players with greater pathways and opportunities. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen pathways for improved player outcomes, further aligning with the national ambition to reimagine the Australian football player development ecosystem,” Football Queensland CEO, Robert Cavallucci said. 

“The implementation of this connected futsal pyramid showcases Football Queensland’s dedication to expanding the FQ Futsal Strategy state-wide.”   

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Victory unites with Roasting Warehouse in culture-led partnership

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Image credit: Melbourne Victory

The Melbourne-based anf family-owned business will join the Victory family, uniting two institutions which represent the city’s culture and identity.

A partnership with local roots

As the newest partner of Melbourne Victory, Roasting Warehouse joins forces with a vital part of the city’s sporting landscape.

The club’s Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, outlined why the partnership bears so much value to both parties.

“We are excited to collaborate with Roasting Warehouse, a community-oriented destination for high-quality coffee, proud of its foundations in Melbourne,” said Carnegie via official media release.

“Football and coffee sit at the epicentre of Melbourne’s culture. The two go hand-in-hand, consistently at the centre of the conversation that stirs Melburnians, which is no different to the conversation sport and Melbourne Victory stir in the State.”

Indeed, this is a partnership which combines the identity, passions and culture of an entire city, therefore giving it the foundations required for long-term, mutual success.

Representing the best of Melbourne

Both Victory and Roasting Warehouse are hugely successful in their respective industries. They are institutions with community-oriented philosphies, who pride themselves on craft and quality.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Melbourne Victory, a club that represents the heart, passion, and ambition of Melbourne,” revealed Roasting Warehouse Head of Brand, Alexander Paraskevopoulos.

“As a Melbourne-founded, family-run business, supporting a team that means so much to the local community feels very natural for us.”

Furthermore, through their high-quality blends, Roasting Warehouse will look to prepare Victory’s players and staff for high performances on the pitch as the seasons nears completion.

But this is about far more than just fueling athletes.

This is a partnership which embodies and unites two of Melbourne’s greatest strengths and cultural markers – a connection forged from the city’s very own DNA.

 

For more information about Roasting Warehouse, click here.

Marie-Louise Eta makes history as new Union Berlin head coach

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Image credit: FC Union Berlin

In an historic appointment, Eta will take over as head coach of Union Berlin until the end of the season.

History in the making

Previously the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history with Union Berlin, Eta will now take the reigns of the men’s first team on an interim basis.

Currently, the club sit in 11th place in the Bundesliga table, but with only two wins so far in 2026, relegation appears an all-too-real prospect, and one which the club is desperate to avoid.

“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” said Eta via official media release.

‘I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations.”

Eta will begin as Union’s new head coach with immediate effect, and will be in the dugout for the club’s matchup against Wolfsburg this weekend.

 

A step into an equal future

Eta’s appointment signals a major step towards a more level playing field in the football landscape.

Furthermore, Eta joins other coaches including Sabrinna Wittmann, Hannah Dingley and Corinne Diacre who, in recent years, have blazed a trail for female coaches to step into the men’s game.

Wittmann currently manages FC Ingolstadt in Germany’s third division, and was the first female head coach in Germany’s top three divisions.

In 2023, Dingley became caretaker manager of Forest Green Rovers, and thus the first woman to lead a men’s professional team in England.

Diacre, now head coach of France’s women’s national team, managed Ligue 2’s Clerment Foot between 2014 and 2017.

 

Final thoughts

The impact therefore, is that Eta’s appointment will show future generations of aspiring female coaches that men’s football is an equally viable and possible pathway as the women’s game.

The time is now to level the playing field.

And while it may be a short-term role, its effect on attitudes towards equality and fair opportunities in the game will hopefully resonate long after the season ends.

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