Brisbane Roar is pleased to confirm the continuation of its alignment with the Schools Premier League (SPL) in 2021 following a successful first year of the community collaboration.
The Club forged an affiliation with the SPL and its schools in 2020 to support talent identification, player pathways and coach development as part of the BRFC Academy’s Queensland-first focus.
The SPL now consists of 13 state schools running elite football programs and each will benefit from close collaboration with the Roar and its A-League Head Coach Warren Moon.
“It’s pleasing to see this affiliation continue as it promotes the full integration of this great community of schools and players with our Brisbane Roar game model and player development philosophy,” Moon said.
“The kids at SPL schools get a good education and get to play more football in a quality environment while benefiting from our BRFC Academy training methods, which are great outcomes for football in Queensland.”
SPL Co-Chair Sean Curtis from Marsden SHS said: “Our vision is to provide school students with an elite learning pathway and development through football which supports students both in their academic and athletic goals.
“This partnership allows us to enhance our football program and deliver a football pathway while developing our students holistically to ensure they have a Plan B throughout their school life.”
SPL Co-Chair Shane Robinson from Palm Beach Currumbin SHS added: “The SPL schools have access to the Brisbane Roar methodology and are able to manage the workload of elite players with the BRFC Academy.
“A holistic approach balancing education, wellbeing and training means we are developing the whole athlete at SPL schools in collaboration with Brisbane Roar.”
Around 80 SPL students are presently involved with either BRFC Academy or the QAS.
Graham Fyfe, Roar’s NPL U18 Head Coach and Marsden SHS football coach, said: “I feel the affiliation between the BRFC Academy and SPL schools can very beneficial, as I’ve already seen first-hand that there are players who might miss the system due to family circumstances but could potentially have a career in the game.
“The coaches and facilities at school level are second to none.”
The 2021 SPL schools are as follows:
- Albany Creek SHS
- Aspley SHS
- Cavendish Road SHS
- Chancellor State College
- Cleveland District SHS
- Corinda SHS
- Harristown SHS
- Helensvale SHS
- Kawana Waters State College
- Kelvin Grove State College
- Marsden SHS
- Murrumba State Secondary College
- Palm Beach Currumbin SHS
Any students wishing to join an SPL school program are asked to complete an expression of interest form through their school’s website, or contact the school’s Football Coordinator.
For up to date information on the SPL, stay tuned to the Queensland Schools Premier League Facebook page.
