FQ Academy

Springfield United was accepted into the FQ Academy program for the 2025 season and was awarded the Football Queensland Club Development Committed Shield.

As one of the largest clubs in South East Queensland, our goal is to provide a clear pathway for players of all abilities.

For players who want to push themselves in a more competitive environment, the FQ Academy provides access to advanced training, higher-level fixtures and further development opportunities.

For players who prefer a more social football experience, Springfield United also continues to offer strong community football options through MiniRoos, divisional teams and senior football.

In 2026, Springfield United is fielding teams in the following FQ Academy competitions:

The FQ Academy is designed for players who are committed to developing their football ability in a more structured and challenging environment.

Players in the Springfield United FQ Academy can expect:

• A higher-level training and match environment
• Structured development aligned with Football Australia principles
• Regular training with a focus on technical, tactical, physical and mental development
• Competitive matches against other FQ Academy clubs
• Opportunities to be identified through Football Queensland pathways
• A club environment that values respect, effort, learning and personal growth

The program is not only about winning games. It is about helping players develop the skills, habits and confidence needed to continue progressing in football.

The FQ Academy program is designed for players who are ready for a more structured and challenging football environment.

Academy football may be suitable for your child if they:

• Love football and are motivated to improve
• Are willing to train and play with a high level of commitment
• Enjoy being challenged by coaches, teammates and opposition players
• Are open to feedback and willing to learn
• Can show effort, focus and a positive attitude at training and games
• Are ready for a more competitive football environment
• Want to be part of a development-focused program

Academy football is not just about being the best player right now. It is about potential, commitment, attitude and a willingness to keep improving.

Families should also consider the time commitment involved. Academy players are generally expected to attend regular training sessions, games and any additional program requirements throughout the season.

For players who are still developing, prefer a more social experience, or are not ready for the Academy commitment, Springfield United also offers strong community football options across MiniRoos, junior, youth and senior teams.

Academy Program

Our FQ Academy program is built around four key pillars:

• Respect
• Participation
• Responsibility
• Professionalism

The program focuses on developing individual players who can adapt technically, tactically, physically and emotionally to a more advanced football environment.

Players are encouraged to take ownership of their development, challenge themselves at training and games, and represent Springfield United with pride.

Program Commitment

The FQ Academy program requires a higher level of commitment than standard community football.

The program generally includes:

• Approximately 40 training weeks
• At least two 90-minute training sessions per week
• Approximately 27 regular season games
• Potential attendance at Football Queensland invitational tournaments or carnivals

Players and families should carefully consider the training, game day and travel commitments before accepting a position in an Academy squad.

Springfield United’s FQ Academy program is supported by a dedicated technical and coaching structure designed to provide consistency, guidance and credibility across the program.

The Academy is overseen by our Head Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director, who work closely with coaches to support player development, training standards and the overall direction of the Academy program.

Our coaching team includes Football Australia accredited coaches, with B Licence and C Licence qualifications represented across the program. This ensures players are supported by coaches with recognised football education and a strong understanding of player development.

The program also benefits from the experience of Mick Matthews, who brings more than 35 years of coaching experience to Springfield United. His knowledge and long-term involvement in football provides valuable support to both players and coaches across the Academy environment.

In 2026, Springfield United also has dedicated development support through our:

• Head of Youth Development
• Head of Junior Development
• Head of Female Development
• Goalkeeper coaches
• Strength and conditioning support

This structure allows the club to provide more targeted support across different age groups, player needs and development areas.

Our aim is to create a positive, challenging and professional learning environment where players are supported to improve technically, tactically, physically and mentally, while continuing to enjoy their football and represent Springfield United with pride.

The Junior Academy phase focuses heavily on individual technical development.

In line with the Football Australia curriculum, players will work on core football skills including:

• First touch
• Running with the ball
• Striking the ball
• 1v1 attacking and defending
• Passing and receiving
• Decision-making in game-like situations

This phase is about building strong foundations and helping players develop confidence on the ball.

The focus is on player development, learning and long-term growth.

Players who excel in the FQA junior program move into the FQA youth program with the best opportunity to grow tactically and psychologically on their journey to playing at the highest-level of senior football they can.

The Youth Academy phase builds on the technical foundations developed in younger age groups and introduces a greater focus on tactical understanding, physical preparation and team-based performance.

Players will continue to develop:

• Technical execution under pressure
• Position-specific understanding
• Game awareness and decision-making
• Defensive and attacking principles
• Communication and leadership
• Resilience, discipline and professionalism

This phase prepares players for the demands of competitive youth football and future senior football opportunities.

Springfield United is committed to supporting the growth and development of female football.

Our girls Academy teams provide motivated female players with the opportunity to train and compete in an advanced environment while developing confidence, skill and game understanding.

The program aims to create a positive and challenging pathway for girls who want to progress their football and represent Springfield United at a higher level.

Who Should Trial?

The FQ Academy is best suited to players who:

• Love football and want to improve
• Are committed to attending training and games
• Are willing to work hard and be coached
• Want to challenge themselves against strong opposition
• Show a positive attitude and respect for teammates, coaches and officials
• Are ready for a more structured football environment

Players do not need to be perfect. We are looking for players with potential, commitment, coachability and a strong desire to learn.

Families should also consider the time commitment involved. Academy players are generally expected to attend regular training sessions, games and any additional program requirements throughout the season.

For players who are still developing, prefer a more social experience, or are not ready for the Academy commitment, Springfield United also offers strong community football options across MiniRoos, junior, youth and senior teams.

Trial and Selection Process

Players interested in joining the Springfield United FQ Academy are required to trial or submit an expression of interest.

Academy trials are generally held towards the end of each season, with trial details usually released in September and trials taking place around October for the following season.

Trial dates, times and registration links will be advertised through the Springfield United website, social media pages and club communication channels.

Selection is based on a range of factors, including:

• Technical ability
• Game understanding
• Attitude and effort
• Coachability
• Physical readiness
• Positional balance within the squad
• Commitment to the program

Due to squad size limits, not all players who trial will be offered a position. Where possible, players who are not selected for Academy teams may be offered alternative playing opportunities within Springfield United.

Springfield United offers players the opportunity to be part of an ambitious and growing football club with a strong community foundation.

Our Academy program provides:

• A recognised Football Queensland pathway
• A supportive club environment
• Development-focused coaching
• Opportunities for boys and girls
• A clear connection between junior, youth and senior football
• A balance between high standards and community values

We want our Academy players to develop not only as footballers, but as confident, respectful and committed young people.

For further information about the Springfield United FQ Academy program, trials or team availability, please contact:

Email: info.sufc@gmail.com