Football Queensland’s Future of Football 2020+ state-wide consultations will investigate the viability, possible structure and application of a National Second Division.
The governing body’s (competition reform) consultations will also assess the impact on the game in Queensland, if a national second tier were to eventuate.
In a statement on Football Queensland’s website, CEO Robert Cavallucci explained what the organisation was trying to achieve.
“Through consultation with Queensland clubs, it is imperative that we explore what is economically sustainable and determine appropriate national models that lead to an understanding of the most competitive and optimal pathway for all of Queensland’s footballers,” he said.
“FQ’s competition reform consultations have been designed to improve our understanding of how we can build a football pyramid and unlock the opportunity for Queensland’s aspirational clubs by delivering connected competitions for the 317 clubs and 180,000 participants for which FQ is responsible.
“Member federations have the responsibility for promotion and relegation into and out of leagues based within each state alongside the governance of several other critical aspects of competition that the success of any potential NSD consideration is contingent upon, one that could ultimately be endorsed by the FFA and connected within the federated system.
“As the Member federation, FQ will assemble a number of NSD models, consider their viability, benefits and the impacts each has on FQ’s ability to deliver connected competitions across the state’s own football pyramid for the benefit of Queensland clubs in a national context.
“Feeding directly into any proposed model will be FQ’s deep insights into the financial and commercial sophistication and the levels of governance and administrative competency of every NPL club through existing compliance audits and the recently undertaken 81 criteria technical assessment by FQ’s Club Development Unit into the technical football outcomes achieved by clubs.
“FQ has already received feedback from thousands of stakeholders during the consultation process, club summits and surveys since launching the Future of Football 2020+ reform journey in May and there is clear appetite for promotion and relegation within a thriving, sustainable and connected competitive environment in Queensland.
“FQ’s strategic plan shows a commitment to driving the game towards that vision and we look forward to engaging all Queensland clubs, participants and football community members to ensure everyone can have their say, just as we have done right throughout the Future of Football 2020+ initiative,” Cavallucci concluded.
