Meet the leaders of QFSL: SE Queensland’s newest premier inter-school football competition
Meet the captains leading their teams through the inaugural season of a top-tier football comp, and the interesting stories that lead them to their passion for the game.
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A premier school football competition has been launched in southeast Queensland, bringing to the fore a wave of new captains.
The competition, Queensland Football Schools League (QFSL), kicked off mid-February with 10 schools participating.
Mabel Park State High School teacher and leader of the football excellence program Matt Pickham was key in getting the league started.
“Myself and fellow teachers from other excellence schools have started our own Football Excellence League to allow our students and players greater access to more games,” he said.
The competition is broken down into five team age groups: Junior Boys (Year 7-8), Intermediate Boys (Year 9-10), Senior Boys (Year 11-12), Junior Girls (Year 7-9) and Senior Girls (Year 10-12).
Between the participating schools there are athletes involved in State and National level competitions: National Premier League, Queensland Academy of Sport and Football Queensland Premier League.
The competition aims to provide a greater variety of opposition for the players at school level that will advance their skills and experience.
“We are also looking at growing the league with a few more schools in the coming years,” Pickham said.
“At the moment we are focusing on our league and trying to provide schools and students with the access and opportunities they deserve.”
With two rounds of the competition completed, we reveal the senior team captains leading the way for their schools in QFSL’s inaugural season and find out what has inspired them to pursue the game.
Pacific Pines State High School
What is your first memory of football?
Eron Bradley: Playing with my brothers in the backyard.
Madison Bratley: Being selected to play metro league for my club at 13 years old.
What do you like about the sport?
Eron: The community spirit and friendships.
Madison: Learning to bond with new groups and developing yourself as a person in new social groups.
What clubs do you support?
Eron: Manchester United
Madison: Liverpool
Who are your heroes?
Eron: Paolo Maldini
Madison: My Mum
What are you most excited about around the school competition?
Eron: Being able to challenge ourselves against other schools and players.
Madison: To show the younger (players) who want to excel in football how to be better versions of themselves both on and off the pitch.
What are you aims as a captain for the team and individually?
Eron: To lead the team to finals for the first time and to improve my leadership and assist others to improve in other areas.
Madison: To make sure everyone has the best experience they can in the competition and to make as many memories as possible while enjoying my last year of school football
Chisholm College
What is your first memory of football?
Emily Clough: Growing up, my cousins were all boys and at nearly every family gathering we were out in the backyard kicking the ball and playing against each other. I wanted to do everything that they did.
Isaac Cookson: When I was at my old house my older brothers were teaching me how to play.
Chase Fisher: My first memory playing football was when I was three and had my first training session for squirts and that’s what made me love football.
What do you like about the sport?
Emily: Soccer gives me an outlet to everything else happening in my life. Being part of a team, I love always having a bunch of girls I can rely on and know will always have my back. I am always striving to improve, learn new skills and stay fit.
Isaac: I like that it’s a team sport and … you can score goals with your team supporting you.
Chase: I’ve always enjoyed playing football even before I was a goalkeeper, even if it is watching the sport, it always fills me with joy.
What clubs do you support?
Emily: Liverpool FC and Brisbane Roar.
Isaac: In the premier league I have supported Man(chester) City from the beginning.
Chase: My family brought me up as a Manchester United fan (because my dad’s side is from England) and a Brisbane roar fan as I am from Brisbane.
Who are your heroes?
Emily: Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso.
Isaac: I would say that Messi is my hero, because I am quite small as well, and he just gives me hope that I will make it.
Chase: I have always been a big Cristiano Ronaldo fan because of Manchester United and because I just love watching him play, and, I’ve always looked up to Edwin Van De Sar and Manuel Neuer as I’ve always wanted to play like them.
What are you most excited about around the school competition?
Emily: I am excited to play against different schools and see the competition and level that other schools perform at and see how we compete against them.
Isaac: I am excited about taking time out of class to play my favourite sport and being able to play every week.
Chase: With the school tournament I’m very excited to be representing my school in a great competition and being able to play the beautiful game is nothing more you could ask for.
What are you aims as a captain for the team and individually?
Emily: As a team, I want us to win as many games as possible but also, for the senior girls to be positive role models for the younger girls and encourage others to get involved and want to join in more in the football Chisholm has to offer. Individually, I want to see how much I have improved as a player.
Isaac: My aim is to create a well-functioning team, being able to play the ball other than just dribbling.
Chase: I aim to push the team to play our best always and to always put on a performance for whoever is watching.
Loganlea State High School
What is your first memory of football?
Peter Mwungera: 2018 Real Madrid UCL (Union of European Football Associations Champions League) win.
Mia Justice: When I chose football for Interschool sport with some friends in Year 9 and we had an absolute blast against Kingston (State College) when we won our first game of that year – 2-1. Scoring in that game was a super proud moment for me.
What do you like about the sport?
Peter: The fitness level.
Mia: I just like the sport; I enjoy putting the effort in and encouraging my team to do the best they can.
What clubs do you support?
Peter: Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Mia: PSG and Liverpool.
Who are your heroes?
Peter: Cristiano Ronaldo
Mia: Lionel Messi and my coach Miss Lee.
What are you most excited about around the school competition?
Peter: That we have a lot of games and we might have a chance to win a trophy
Mia: Learning new skills and what I can improve on personally to help the team succeed!
What are you aims as a captain for the team and individually?
Peter: My aims are to make sure that we all have a good relationship and try to win a trophy
Mia: Keeping the team positive, even though I know I get frustrated at myself sometimes, I want to keep a positive environment.
Stretton College
What is your first memory of football?
Andrik Guzman: My first memory of football was when I first played football in Sunnybank Saints in U6.
Georgia Dean: My first memory of football is waking up at 4am with my dad to watch City win the Manchester Derby
What do you like about the sport?
Andrik: I love the fact that I can play a team sport with friends which allows me to be competitive and relieve stress from problems in life.
Georgia: I love playing group sports where you’re surrounded and supported by other like-minded girls. And of course the competitive nature and hopefully winning.
What clubs do you support?
Andrik: I don’t really support a club anymore as I support players more than the teams they play for.
Georgia: I support Manchester City in the Premier League.
Who are your heroes?
Andrik: I look up to a variety of football players in all positions like: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alphonso Davies, Trent Alexander Arnold, Chicharito, and more.
Georgia: My heroes are my mum and dad as they introduced me to football and supported me through the whole journey. My playing hero would have to be Declan Rice and Kevin De Bruyne.
What are you most excited about around the school competition?
Andrik: I am excited to represent the school as the “captain” of the team and compete to win the league.
Georgia: I am most excited about being able to play and succeed with the academy and watch our team grow throughout the season.
What are you aims as a captain for the team and individually?
Andrik: My goals as the captain for the team is for everyone to improve and strive to try and win the school competition. My individual goal is to become more of a leader and role model for my teammates and push them to their limits.
Georgia: As captain my main aim is to continuously support and encourage the girls through all our trainings and all our games and inspire them to embrace the opportunity as an academy member
Tamborine Mountain State High School
What is your first memory of football?
Wyatt Menicanin: Going to the local club and kicking the ball around with my parents.
Charlee Paterson: Watching my dad play a game and wanting to be like that.
Symke Parry: Playing red-light-green-light in squirts training, U5s, where we had dribble the ball at green light and sit on the ball at red light.
What do you like about the sport?
Wyatt: I just love the whole environment, the energy, the passion and desire and there is hardly ever a dull moment.
Charlee: I just love the adrenaline rush before the game and being able to play something I enjoy.
Symke: I love how it has both a competitive side which holds a fast-paced and fun playing environment and that it’s a sport where you can connect with people.
What clubs do you support?
Wyatt: Big Manchester United fan — been supporting them since I first played soccer.
Charlee: PSG (Paris Saint Germain)
Symke: I love to support the Australian teams: Brisbane Roar and Matildas, as well as Argentina, Portugal and the Belgium Red Devils football team.
Who are your heroes?
Wyatt: I don’t really have any heroes but once I do make it professional, I hope to be like David de Gea in his prime.
Charlee: Neymar Jr. and Sam Kerr.
Symke: Messi, Ronaldo, and Sam Kerr because they show all amazing attributes that a captain should have. (For example) confidence, skill, competitiveness etc.
What are you most excited about around the school competition?
Wyatt: Just representing the school. It’s the first time that we have ever really done something like this and I just hope that it continues into future years.
Charlee: Being able to play soccer in the school colours.
Symke: I’m so excited to be able to get out of school and do something I love with my friends in a competitive environment, while being able to represent our school.
What are you aims as a captain for the team and individually?
Wyatt: Just supporting the boys and get them to have some fun and get some wins.
Charlee: To be able to inspire each player and help them through the program this year as a team.
Symke: As captain I would love to aim towards leading our team to victory.
Pimpama College
First memory of football?
Riley Seath: My first memory of football was in the backyard of my cousin’s house. I was about 5 years old I was versing him in a 1v1, he was doing step overs sending me everywhere but although I was getting demolished, I still loved playing football.
Syraih Smith: My first memory of football was when I first started playing when I was 11-12years old with my brother and his friend in my backyard, and also seeing it at school. My brother’s friend’s dad took me to one of his son’s football trainings and as soon as I touched that ball and started playing, I knew I was in love with the sport.
What do you like about the sport?
Riley: Football is the most watched sport in the world. During the World Cup the world comes together to watch the game. There are so many different types of formations and tactics and there’s always something new to learn to help you improve. The rivalry between the biggest clubs in the world — Real Madrid vs Barca, Liverpool vs Manchester United is always a joy to watch to see which club will come out on top.
Syraih: I like how you can play many different versions of outdoor and transfer that to smaller courts where you can play futsal. I like how it’s a continuous game and that there is really no stopping unless a goal is scored, free kick or the ball is out of play. I like the thrill of when your team scores and it’s like a whole different type of happiness, especially when it’s a much-needed goal. I like that there is always something new to learn.
Which club do you support?
Riley: As a child I googled ‘the best play in the world’ and it would come up with Messi and Ronaldo so I would support Barca and Real Madrid but as I grew older I got introduced to Liverpool, a club where a lot of my friends and family support. I would get Christmas present of Liverpool merchandise as my family wanted me to support them. So for the past 5-6 years I’ve been a Liverpool supporter.
Syraih: I support Manchester City in the Premier league. In the A-League, I support Melbourne Victory. I support these clubs because Manchester City was the first ever team I heard about and loved the way they played. I also go for Melbourne Victory because my pop is from Victoria. Most importantly of all, I support the women’s international football team. The Matildas are my all-time favourite. I support them because they show the great Aussie spirit and always play with courage. Even though I’m Maori, I love supporting my home countries teams.
Who are your heroes?
Riley: I first got introduced to football by my cousin and since then I fell in love with the sport. Messi showed me that no matter what happens to you can always make it happen. Ronaldo showed me that if you put in hard work it will always pay off.
Syraih: My heroes are my family because they push me to do my best. Every time I step foot on a pitch or court, I play with pride and with my family on my back. My sports heroes are Alanna Kennedy and Ellie Carpenter, they have always been my all-time favourite players ever since I got into football.
What are you most excited about around the school competition?
Riley: I’ve been at this school and in the EAD academy since I was 12, in Year 7. This is my last year in school and my last chance to win all the competitions. Throughout the years we’ve made it to plenty of finals but not won the grand final. This year me and the boys are eager to win everything we enter, as this is our last chance. I believe that this year we have the strongest team the school has had, with many special types of players and personalities. We’ve come so close to winning many comps but this year I believe we can win them all.
Syraih: I’m excited to play with my football mates for one last year. Time flies when you’re in high school and having fun playing the sport you love with the people you love makes it go by even faster. I’m excited to put on that Pimpama jersey for one last time this year and bring everything I have to help this school succeed in girl’s football/futsal. Seeing people come together to play a sport they love is refreshing and something that you can never take for granted. It is encouraging to see the success the girls had last year with futsal and we are hoping to repeat that standard this year.
What are your aims as a captain for the team and individually?
Riley: My aim as a captain is to help lead the team to win every game and push everyone to play harder. I will help out those who are doing the wrong thing or look a little bit lost. I will use my passion and knowledge of the sport to help push the team to play to the best of their abilities. As a captain it’s my job to make sure the team is not only physically prepared but more importantly mentally prepared. I will go to those I see are struggling mentally and talk to them personally to see how we can overcome those issues.
Syraih: My aim as a captain this year is to make sure to win, but more importantly, we all have fun playing together with the short time we have left as a team. It brings me happiness to see girls having fun while doing the sport they love. As an individual, I hope to bring more than just medals and trophies back to school — I hope to bring strong friendships made through playing football and a smile knowing that everyone did all they could. As long as we all put our best foot forward and commit, there is nothing more that I can ask of the team. Woman’s football is growing, and I hope that students in my position in following years share the same passion and continue to grow the sport.
Balmoral State High School
What is your first or favourite memory of football?
Van Francis: My first proper memory of football that I remember clearly is when I had a birthday party will all my friends which was football themed, and my dad ran the activities like who could kick the ball closest to the other one. However, close friends of mine never showed as they forgot but then they took me out for my first strikers men’s game (instead).
Justin Moya: Playing for the Philippines and Australian Schoolboys squad.
Lucy Batimore: When I was four my cousin was playing at Southside Eagles in under-10s and I remember watching her and running onto the field to chase the ball but ended up face down on the ground after getting knocked down in the middle of a tackle.
Olive Ah Wang: When I played futsal in the sports hall in Year 7 Mr Zimmerlie asked if I was playing club football, and if I enjoyed it. I wasn’t playing football then and had never been coached. I did enjoy it and still enjoy playing football. I then joined the academy and a football club.
What do you like about the sport?
Van: I like football as it allows me to focus on something that I enjoy doing with friends that I would never have made if I didn’t play. Those connections are now ones that I treasure most.
Justin Moya: I have always loved football, it has taken me places I never thought I would go. It is my passion, when I play football I forget all my problems.
Lucy: I like the way you can kick the ball as hard as you can and being able to compete against a range of abilities and skills.
Olive: What I like about football is that I get to make new friends and spend time outside getting active
What clubs do you support?
Van: I support Chelsea FC.
Justin: Manchester United
Lucy: Although I don’t watch the English premier league I do love the Matildas team.
Olive: The Matildas is my favourite team.
Who are your heroes?
Van: Manuel Neuer is a football icon for me as he has had a career that I would love to recreate for myself and even achieve more.
Justin: Lionel Messi
Lucy: After playing NPLW a few years ago I’ve been able to become closer with a few players and the strength and motivation they displayed has led me to try harder in this sport.
Olive: I don’t really have a football hero, but I do look up to some people that play with in my club and even some players at school who just constantly try their best and set a good example of a football/athlete role model.
What are you most excited about around the school competition?
Van: Being able to show the other teams we have played against over the years what we can do with such a young team and be able to prove people wrong. Being able to play in front of the school knowing I am a leader on the pitch and knowing I have a role in the team that is much greater that I didn’t have years ago.
Justin: I love playing for my school, being able to play football is a blessing itself.
Lucy: I came to Balmoral in May 2021 and even in the two or so years I have been in the academy, I have seen the growth in the girls participation and I’m excited to be able to continue on this year joined by my friends.
Olive: Getting together and spending time with my friends as well as working as a team representing my school
What are you aims as a captain for the team and individually?
Van: The aim of football is to have fun so if I’m able to have everyone smiling at the end of the game knowing we tried our hardest, it will make me feel like I completed something as a captain.
Justin: Team – to be able to play together in a high standard. Individual aim: to be able to play in the Australian team (Joeys).
Lucy: As a captain I am driven by my inspiration from past players at school and in teams such as the Matilda’s. This year I’m hoping to encourage even more players to join the academy and show how our teams have developed in the past years.
Olive: To just improve together as a team and build strong relationships on the field and off the field. To show the people what a football captain looks like and give them a role model to look up to.
Varsity College
What is your first memory of football?
AJ: My first memory of football was when I was four and my brother would be training and me, and my dad would just kick the ball around.
Sunny Birch: When I was in prep TFA came to my school and they had the big blow up pitches
What do you like about the sport?
AJ: Everything, I love the way that soccer uses skills, physicality, technical ability, speed and endurance.
Sunny: You can do whatever you want with the ball.
What clubs do you support?
AJ: Liverpool
Sunny: Liverpool
Who are your heroes?
AJ: One of my biggest heroes would have to be my dad because he always told me that no matter what you do you can do anything that you put your mind to it.
Sunny: Steven Gerrard, Lionel Messi
What are you most excited about around the school competition?
AJ: I am most exited to show everyone the talent that the senior girls have to offer.
Sunny: To see the young boys develop and break into the senior team, with the older lads setting the standards for everyone else
What are you aims as a captain for the team and individually?
AJ: To create an good environment in which the girls will always enjoy playing for varsity college and to win the grand final and the league.
Sunny: To win the league and the final.
Ripley Valley
What is your first memory of football?
Lucinda: My first memory of football is going to a Brisbane Roar game with my dad and brother.
Harrison: My first memory of football was playing football in the backyard by myself.
What do you like about the sport?
Lucinda: I like that you can meet many people while playing the sport and its played worldwide.
Harrison: I like the fact that anything could happen in a football game and I like the fact it is very strategic.
What clubs do you support?
Lucinda: Liverpool
Harrison: Arsenal
Who are your heroes?
Lucinda: Sam Kerr
Harrison: My heroes are Messi, Mesut Ozil and Thierry Henry.
What are you most excited about around the school competition?
Lucinda: Versing other schools that I don’t know and playing together as a team.
Harrison: I am most excited about getting to play football
What are you aims as a captain for the team and individually?
Lucinda: As a captain I aim for my team to play together and focus on supporting each other. As an individual I want to play my best to help my team.
Harrison: My aim as a captain is to try and lead everyone and make people better, My aim as an individual is to play to the best of my ability.
Robina State High School
What is your first memory of football?
Clay: Would be under-5s, having fun training and playing with my friends with my mum being the coach.
Madilynn Cannizzaro: Playing under-7s at Coomera for the boys.
What do you like about football?
Clay: Winning, having fun.
Madilynn: I enjoy the team atmosphere, having fun with friends and keeping active while the competitive side of the game is always good trying to get a win.
What professional football clubs do you support?
Clay: I support the Brisbane Roar in the A-League and I would have to say either Manchester Untied or Real Madrid where Cristiano Ronaldo has played for.
Madilynn: My favourite professional team would have to be the Australian Women’s National team the Matildas.
Who are your football heroes?
Clay: Cristiano Ronald would have to be my hero as he is a hard worker. He does not let his age define him and keeps delivering on the big stage despite his age. He scores bangers all the time and is just great to watch.
Madilynn: My hero would have to be Sam Kerr.
What are you most excited about with the QFSL competition?
Clay: Hopefully winning games with the boys, getting to the final and representing the school. Getting to verse different schools which play different styles and getting to play with my mates and verse different players.
Madilynn: I enjoy having the younger girls play up and giving them experience and having them play stronger and tougher teams.
What are you aims as a captain for the team and individually?
Clay: Individual goal for the year as that I hope I can get on the score sheet and score my first goal for the school. While as a team it would be great to lead the team to the final in the QFSL.
Madilynn: For the team I would love for us to be able to play a possession-based game and be able to keep the ball and play great as a team. On an individual perspective I want to keep working on my communication on the field while improving my overall skill, making the final as captain would be great but being able to lead the team which plays good football would be good.
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