Crad Evans Shield expands to include juniors
The history and tradition of the Crad Evans Shield will grow even larger this year as juniors get their first taste of the annual playoff to be named North Queensland’s best team.
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The history and tradition of the Crad Evans Shield will grow even larger this year as juniors get their first taste of the annual playoff to be named North Queensland’s best team.
As first revealed by the Cairns Post, the Shield will be expanded to welcome junior players.
The league premiers from each zone’s under-12s to U16s will face off for the first time when Townsville’s Premier League winners host the annual event on November 7.
FNQ Football administrator Alex Srhoj, who has played and coached in the Crad Evans Shield several times throughout his decades-long involvement in football, was supportive of the move to incorporate junior teams.
“It’s going to give junior players more to play for,” Srhoj said.
“It’s something the clubs want, it’s something we’ve spoken about before.
“It will show how important it is to win the premiership. You can be the best team on the day to win the grand final, but the premiership means you’re the best team all year.
“It’s the chance to win the title of the best team in North Queensland.”
Inconsistent age groups mean Townsville’s U13s play against the winner of FNQ Football’s U13/14s, and NQ’s U14/15s will play FNQ’s U15/16s, but the merger between the governing bodies will ensure the discrepancy is addressed in time for 2021’s event in Cairns.
Clubs have until the end of the month to nominate their teams for this season, which officials hope will kick-off on July 11.
Originally published as Crad Evans Shield expands to include juniors