State-Wide Semi-Finals Benefit NPL

Words: Michael Flynn

Today’s NPL Queensland Semi-Finals are indicative of the value the league brings to football state-wide, according to Football Queensland Chief Operations Officer Ben Mannion.

Gold Coast and Cairns will host the two knock-out fixtures, with Palm Beach facing Brisbane Strikers at Mallawa Complex and FNQ FC Heat playing defending Champions Olympic FC at Barlow Park.

The winners of each semi-final will then meet in next weekend’s NPL Queensland Grand Final.

Mannion said the fact the finals were being played outside of Brisbane for the first time is a vindication of Football Queensland’s state-wide approach to implementing the National Premier Leagues model.

“It stands out that their pathways have been going very well,” Mannion said.

“Definitely the regions have done well and that’s highlighted by FNQ Heat’s and Palm Beach’s results this year.”

“These four teams were qualifiers for the FFA Cup as well, so they’ve been the standout four this year and I think it will make for an interesting weekend - you might get two regional teams in the final or you might get two Brisbane teams in the final.”

Mannion clarified that media speculation through the week that FNQ Heat would be denied the chance to host their NPL Queensland Semi-Final was misplaced.

“We never ever wanted to take the game away from Cairns. It’s really important that they get their just rewards for finishing second on the ladder.”

“The logistical issues of having to book flights is all that delayed the announcement,” he added.

Mannion explained that Football Queensland is dedicated to ensuring the NPL offers a pathway for elite players right across the state despite the challenges of distance - with today's semi-finals taking place over 1750 kilometres apart.

“We’re Football Queensland, not half of Queensland or south-east Queensland,” Mannion said.

“Our state government funding is tied to the whole of the state and it’s important that we recognise that.”

“Something like 35 per cent of our playing population is north of the Sunshine Coast, and that’s a significant number.”

“It’s important that we are up there and giving them the same opportunities as we do for south-east Queensland,” he concluded.




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