Willowburn applies to join new Football Queensland competition

One of Toowoomba’s most successful football club is a step closer toward playing in a new elite competition next year

TIGHT FINAL: Willowburn’s Ben Barrowclift (left) and Stanthorpe’s Simon Mascadri battle for possession during the Toowoomba Football Leagues Premier Men’s grand final. Picture: Nev Madsen

FOOTBALL: Willowburn FC have thrown their hat into the FQPL2 ring.

The Toowoomba club, which won both Premier Division grand finals this season, is one of just 15 successful Football Queensland Premier League 2 applicants.

Eight teams will line up in the inaugural 2021 season with the FQPL2 serving as a bridge with local premier men’s competitions and a reformed NPL Queensland and FQPL structure.

“We have been hearing rumours about a third tier for some time, but I admit it was still a surprise,” Willowburn FC president Gerard Alchin said.

“Once we had a look at the selection criteria we made the decision to apply.

“Entering the Brisbane competition this year gave us a really good indication of where we are as a football club, and the level of interest from players wanting to play at a higher level.

“We know there’s a lot of work to do if our bid is successful but we’re an ambitious club.

“If we’re not successful with our bid this year we’ll still push on with our plans.

“We want to develop a junior academy and further strengthen our links with the community.”

If their bid is successful the club will need to form an under-23 and a senior team for the competition.

“We have a vision for the region and it’s not just about Willowburn,” Alchin said.

“We have a lot of respect for what the South West Queensland Thunder is doing right now, they’ve provided great opportunities to our region’s football

“We want to provide another pathway to elite football – when you look at the region the playing talent is certainly there.

“It’s not about Willowburn the club though, we see it as a way to provide more opportunities for footballers from right across the region.”

Football Queensland will announce the successful bids on November 27.

Originally published as Willowburn applies to join new Football Queensland competition