Words: Staff Writers
Image: Brisbane Roar FC

Brisbane Roar is furthering its commitment to youth development by fielding a team in the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Youth Men’s division in 2017.

The move is yet another show of faith in the state’s PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues system, which the club originally joined in 2014.

The introduction of a Youth Men’s team strengthens the link between the Young Roar squad which competes in the Men’s competition and the club’s Brisbane Roar-QAS National Training Centre side, which finished third in last year’s U18 Boys age group.

BRFC Football Director Craig Moore believes the Roar U20’s program will offer elite young Queensland footballers a clear opportunity to develop in a professional environment.

“Creating future opportunities for young Queensland footballers is something the Roar is passionate about,” he said.

“This is the first introduction of an additional BRFC team which we are very excited about.

“It is important that we help bridge the gap and provide continual elite football pathways for talented players that do not necessarily develop at the same rate or time.”

Roar’s inclusion rounds out the Youth Men’s division at 10 teams following confirmation of Sunshine Coast FC’s participation for the first time.

Football Queensland CEO Geoff Foster welcomed the increased presence of one of the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League’s most successful clubs.

“Brisbane Roar have proven their devotion to supporting young Queensland footballers across a number of initiatives,” he said.

“This is just another step towards connecting all levels of our game.”