The Football Queensland games you need to watch on weekend
With football finals looming here are the Queensland matches and players you must watch this weekend.
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From Cairns to the Gold Coast there are plenty of great football teams, players, officials and coaches to celebrate in Queensland.
Ahead of another huge weekend of footy here’s our look at all the big news and the must watch matches.
Content in this story has been provided by Football Queensland.
Cairns
Macca’s FQPL Far North & Gulf Matches of the Round
Men
Stratford Dolphins vs. Innisfail United
7pm, Saturday 19 August | Steve Corica Oval
The Stratford Dolphins face Innisfail United at Steve Corica Oval this Saturday evening in what is a crucial clash for United’s finals hopes.
Innisfail currently sit in fourth place on 29 points with a goal difference of one, with Southside Comets charging late for the last finals position, sitting in fifth place on 28 points with a goal difference of twelve.
United haven’t had much luck recently, going winless in their last three matches with draws against Southside Comets and Leichhardt FC, plus a defeat to Edge Hill United.
If United can claim victory against the Dolphins, they’ll be hoping that Redlynch can upset the Comets which would seal finals football for Innisfail heading into the final weekend of fixtures.
Women
Leichhardt FC White vs. Edge Hill United
6:30pm, Friday 18 August | Leichhardt FC
This heavyweight clash between Premiers Leichhardt FC White and Edge Hill United will sure attract plenty of attention as the two sides clash for the last time before finals.
Edge Hill currently sit third, a game and two points behind Southside Comets Halleys in second place.
Edge Hill will be out to hand Leichhardt FC White their first loss of the season on the brink of finals, which would also boost their chances of securing a home semi-final.
Leichhardt have been near perfect this season with 16 wins and just the single draw, against Edge Hill United in Round 4, as they head into their final match of the regular season.
Volunteer of the Month Nominees
Congratulations to our August Volunteer of the Month nominees:
Ethan Cuda (Southside Comets FC), Adric Rusch (Kuranda Rangers) and Miranda Wilson (Leichhardt Junior FC)
John Bomben Carnival nominations
Football Queensland is inviting team nominations for the John Bomben Carnival which will return for 2023.
The club-based tournament will be held from Thursday, 21 September to Saturday, 23 September at Endeavour Park following a break due to COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s exciting to see the John Bomben Carnival, one of regional Queensland’s oldest football tournaments, return to Cairns after its long break during COVID,” FQ General Manager – Northern Region, Declan Carnes said.
“With 2023 marking the 35th year of honouring the football legend John Bomben through the sport he loved so dearly, we’re delighted to once again offer this carnival experience to the next generation of football legends in Far North Queensland.”
“We are looking forward to this year’s John Bomben Carnival being one of the biggest yet, with nominations open not only to clubs in the Northern Conference, but the entire footballing community,” FQ Manager – Far North & Gulf, Alex Srhoj said.
“Teams and individuals from anywhere in the state are invited to nominate for the John Bomben Carnival and enjoy everything the region has to offer; young players who are not currently registered to a club will also be able to participate once they’ve registered and paid their insurance fees.”
Please contact fqfngadmin@footballqueensland.com.au with any event related questions.
Regional football talent on display at FQ Academy Carnival
Football Queensland held a FQ Academy carnival for U13 – U16 boys and girls at Endeavour Park and Tiger Park over the weekend featuring a host of the Northern regions best local talent.
Players from the FQ Academy program in Cairns, Townsville and Mt Isa put their skills and learnings from the program into practice under the watchful eye of their coaches and FQ Academy QAS Manager Isaka Cernak.
Gold Coast
Match of the Week Men – NPL Men – Gold Coast Knights vs Olympic FC
The NPL Queensland Premiership waits for the Gold Coast Knights! The Knights are just a win away from capping a memorable season with the NPL Queensland Premiership. Standing in their way is 11th placed Olympic FC, who will be a tricky opponent for the Knights despite their position on the table.
It is the second time in as many weeks that the Knights and Olympic FC face off with silverware on the line after the sides met in the Kappa Pro Series final on the 5th of August. Knights prevailed 4-2 thanks to a late blitz from star midfielder Max Brown and will be hoping for a repeat performance on Sunday to take home yet another trophy.
Despite having relegation confirmed in recent week, Olympic FC will be right up for the chance to spoil the party. You can catch the action at the Croatian Sports Centre at 4:00pm or watch live on FQTV!
Gold Coast Knights vs Olympic FC Sunday, 20 August 4:00pm kick off Croatian Sports Centre
Match of the Week Women – Macca’s® FQPL 1 Women – Moreton Bay United vs Broadbeach United
Broadbeach United head north to take on Moreton Bay in the Macca’s® FQPL 1 Women’s competition this weekend with their eyes locked firmly on finals football. Fresh off the back of a remarkable 5-4 victory over finals rivals Logan Lightning, Broadbeach now sit in the driving seat to secure the fourth and final place in the final’s series.
Victory against bottom of the table Moreton Bay will all but secure fourth position for Broadbeach with just two games remaining in the season. Moreton Bay has proven to be a bogey team for Broadbeach this season, with the previous two meetings between the sides ending in draws!
This one is set to be a cracker with plenty on the line, you can watch the match live this Saturday afternoon on FQTV!
Moreton Bay United vs Broadbeach United Saturday, 19 August 1:00pm kick off Wolter Park, Albany Creek
Junior Team of the Week
Musgrave U8’s
This little team has been playing together for a few years now, and oh what a team.
Coach Matt Hall is supported by a fantastic parenting group that often volunteer their time around the club.
On field, under Matt’s tuition, the boys are developing their technique, positioning and overall attitude both rapidly each week. The kids are friendly, always kicking a ball, and encouraging.
Mackay Whitsundays
Macca’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Men – Mackay Rangers FC vs. Whitsunday United FC (6:00pm, Saturday 19 August | Eric Homan Park)
Every match is a must win match for both sides as they battle for finals football and the Premiership.
Mackay Rangers FC are currently outside of the top four but have an outside chance of clawing their way into finals. They currently sit in fifth spot on 25 points, two points behind Mackay Lions FC.
Whitsunday United FC are locked in a battle against Mackay Wanderers FC for top spot and have a few aces up their sleeve. They currently sit in second spot with three matches to play versus The Wanderers one game to play, putting them in pole position to snatch the title from Wanderers grasp.
Make sure you get down to Eric Homan Park to catch the action.
Macca’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Women – Country United FC Black vs. Whitsunday United FC (4:00pm, Saturday 19 August | Mackay Football Park)
The Macca’s® FQPL Whitsunday Coast Women title race is going down to the wire.
Still undefeated after 14 matches played, Mackay Lions FC are leading the charge at the top of the table with 40 points to their name and one hand on the trophy.
Nipping at their heels is Whitsunday United FC who are three points behind with 37 points. Both sides have two matches left to play and Whitsunday take on Country United FC Black in a must win clash.
Make sure you get down to Mackay Football Park to catch the action.
Junior Team of the Week
Moranbah Hawks
Moranbah Hawks FC were chosen as the Junior Team of the Week for their effort and hard working attitude.
Sunshine Coast
Macca’s FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast Women Matches of the Round
Maroochydore FC vs. Woombye Snakes
8:30pm Friday, 18 August | Maroochydore FC
Beerwah Glasshouse vs. Gympie United
8:30pm Friday, 18 August | Glasshouse Mountains Sportsground
What a thrilling night of Macca’s FQPL Sunshine Coast Women action we have in store this Friday, with Maroochydore FC and Beerwah Glasshouse both in with a shot of claiming the 2023 Premiership.
Maroochydore currently sit in first with 48 points and a goal difference of 49, while Beerwah a close second on 47 points with a goal difference 48.
Maroochydore face fourth placed Woombye FC who themselves were fighting to stay in the Premiership race until a couple of weeks ago and will take it up to the current leaders.
Beerwah face a tricky opponent at home in Gympie United.
United have sat bottom of the ladder in all but one week, but they’ve won back-to-back matches in the last two rounds and would be confident of having a say in the Premiership race.
Make sure to get out to either Maroochydore FC or Glasshouse Mountains Sportsground and get behind your club as they aim to claim the first silverware of the season!
Junior Team of the Week
North Shore FC
“Despite a disrupted season with injury and illness, the boys have shown great enthusiasm for the game and fantastic character, each and every one of them. Best of all, they are continually learning more about playing as a team. They have been eager to learn more about the game of football and different strategies, and are hoping to make the finals this year. The U13s are coached by Allan Phillips and Jim Watson, managed by Natasha Wareing and Nicole Geary, and have a wonderful supportive parent group behind them.”
Photo Credit: North Shore FC
Volunteer of the Month Nominees
Congratulations to our August Volunteer of the Month nominees Andy Hardinge (Gympie United FC), Tim Dadswell (Coolum FC) and Bec Caldwell (Kawana FC).
Brisbane
NPL Queensland Men’s Player Spotlight
The NPL Queensland competition is heading towards a dramatic conclusion, and there were several top performances on show this weekend.
Malakai Love-Semira scored four goals as Peninsula Power hit Eastern Suburbs for six! Love-Semira was well supported by new signing Jack Hindle, who completed six deep completions and 2 key passes, while Joshua Woolley kept things ticking over in the middle of park by completing 68 passes.
Sunshine Coast Wanderers took the scalp of Premiership hunting Gold Coast United. Oliver Duncan scored and assisted in a standout midfield display, while Dyce Robertson’s two goals were the difference as the Wanderers emerged 3-1 winners.
Moreton Bay United bounced back from their midweek Australia Cup defeat to conquer the Brisbane Roar Youth three goals to nil. Marquez Walters scored a sublime goal from distance while Declan Smith was imperious at the back winning fourteen duels and making 19 recoveries.
Highlights from across all the NPL Men’s Competition can be watched on FQTV.
NPL Queensland Women’s Player Spotlight
Lions FC claimed the NPL Queensland Women’s Premiership this weekend with a three-nil victory over Olympic FC.
Tegan Riding continued her form with a goal and assist, and was a lively threat in the box, taking ten touches in the penalty area and creating five shot assists.
Star striker Sofie Persson’s hat trick was the highlight for Eastern Suburbs as they defeated top four hopefuls Mitchelton six goals to two.
Georgina Amos was the creator-in-chief for Easts, creating one goal assist and five shot assists.
Elsewhere the Football Queensland Academy QAS side held high flying Gold Coast United to a draw. Bronte Rose continued her goal scoring form for Gold Coast while Grace Kuilamu scored and assisted yet again to continue her impressive recent form.
Sarah O’Donoghue impressed yet again for Souths, completing 42 passes and winning 22 duels as Souths claimed a key point over Capalaba FC in their quest for survival.
Goalkeeper Katie Dale stood up for Capalaba, making seven saves to help Capalaba hold onto a point.
Highlights from across the NPL Women’s Competition can be watched on FQTV.
Toowoomba
Matches of the Round
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Men’s – St Albans vs Willowburn FC
It all comes down to this match as we enter the last matches of the regular season.
The premiership race hangs in the balance, with Willowburn FC holding the top spot and St Albans trailing one point behind in second place.
The upcoming Sunday clash between these two teams carries premiership implications. St Albans must win to keep their hopes alive, while a win for Willowburn FC will earn them the 2023 Macca’s FQPL Darling Downs Premiership.
For St Albans, maintaining their scoring momentum will be key to stand a chance at claiming victory.
The stage is set for a blockbuster occasion at Middle Ridge Park.
St Albans vs Willowburn FC
Sunday, 13 August 3:00 Kick Off Middle Ridge Park, Toowoomba
McDonald’s FQPL 1 Women’s – Rockville Rovers Blue vs Highfields Gold
Get ready for an epic clash this weekend, as third place Rockville Rovers take on second place Highfields Gold. Both squads have unleashed a scoring spree in recent weeks, and head into the weekend buoyed by securing impressive victories in the previous weekend.
With their fantastic performances, both sides enter the final game of the regular season in top form.
In their most recent encounter, Rockville emerged victorious two goals to one. The action is set to unfold this Sunday at the Captain Cook Recreational Reserve.
Rockville Rovers Blue vs Highfields Gold Sunday, 13 August 1pm Kick Off Captain Cook Recreational Reserve-Des McGovern
Team of The Week
Willowburn U10 Gold team
The Willowburn U10 Gold team have created a great bond and culture on and off the field, despite being a brand-new team this season.
As well as playing in the MiniRoos league each week, the team has also competed in a number of junior carnivals this season.
They are coached Waad Alhavdo who plays in the FQPL U23 Men’s league for Willowburn. For several of the players, English is not their first language, but with Waad’s guidance and the support of Matt and Ashie Vels (managers) they have been able to get everyone working on the same page and loving football.
Referee of the Month
Lindsay Lowery
In his first year as a referee, Linday enrolled in the introductory Level 4 course to support his son Brayden by becoming an assistant referee.
Lindsay’s readiness to help with game appointments highlight his dedication.
His proactive approach has truly made him shine among our ranks. Congratulations Lindsay.
Townsville
McDonald’s FQPL Northern Matches of the Round
McDonald’s FQPL Northern Men – MA Olympic FC vs. Brothers Townsville FC (7:00pm, Saturday 19 August | Olympic Park)
The McDonald’s FQPL Northern Men grudge match of the season is sure to feature fireworks this Saturday.
Brothers Townsville FC and MA Olympic FC have enjoyed a fierce rivalry all season and will do battle once again in the second last game of the season.
Both top two sides who are favourites to take out the Championship can deal their final blows before the finals series commences at the conclusion of the season.
Make sure you head down to Olympic Park to catch the action.
*Match may be rescheduled due to FIFA Women’s World Cup
McDonald’s FQPL Northern Women – Riverway JCU FC vs. MA Olympic FC (6:30pm, Friday 18 August | Joe Baker Field)
The McDonald’s FQPL Northern Women Premiership race is going down to the wire featuring a must win clash for MA Olympic this weekend.
MA Olympic currently sit in pole position on 51 points with two games remaining and have a three-point lead against title rivals Brothers Townsville FC.
Their opposition this weekend might be out of the title race but are still yet to secure their finals berth and need two wins to lock in their spot.
Make sure you get down to the match at Joe Baker Field this weekend.
Academy Carnival
Football Queensland hosted an FQ Academy Carnival for under-13 to under-16 boys and girls at Endeavour Park and Tiger Park over the weekend featuring a host of the best talent in the region.
Players from Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa showed off their skills and put their learnings from the FQ Academy program into practice under the guidance of their coaches and FQ Academy QAS Manager Isaka Cernak.
PREVIEW: Players to watch in 2024-25 Toowoomba cricket season
With the Toowoomba cricket season kicking off this weekend, check out our 2024-25 TCI season preview featuring players to watch and the goals for each team. See who made the list from your club here.
Under-18 Mountaineers ready for junior basketball season
The future stars of the Toowoomba Mountaineers program are set to battle for glory over the next three months with the under-18 South Queensland Junior Basketball Competition tipping off this weekend. See who will be the key players for each team here.
Qld U16s, U19s selection highlights: Reds set to unleash Fijian phenom in Brumbies blockbuster
Queensland Reds Academy teams: Player selection highlights from the under-16s, under-19s teams ready to rumble in the Super Rugby tournament on Saturday. See what exciting youngsters are lining up here and get an insight.
REVEALED: Radical overhaul for Toowoomba Marathon
There’ll be double the fun at the 2025 Toowoomba Marathon with more races added to the major event, but organisers have also vowed to limit road closures following community concern. Here’s how.
NAMED: 20 Toowoomba Cricket young guns ready to make mark
From the lightning quicks, to the classy batters and elite all-rounders, we shine a light on the young guns set to make their mark in Toowoomba cricket this summer. See who made the list from your club here.
REP READY: Queensland names star-studded indoor hockey sides
With the Australian indoor championships just two months away – Queensland have kicked their preparations off. Find out who made the rep under-21 and Open male and females sides here.