In 2010 the AFL Brisbane Juniors took the step of making a change to the structure of the Under 16 competition by forming the McDonald’s Premier Cup concept. The idea was born to give more clubs and players the opportunity to play at the highest level the competition has to offer.
Twelve clubs competed in the 2010 competition – Aspley, Bribie Island, Coorparoo, Jindalee, Kenmore, Morningside, Mt Gravatt, Redland, Sandgate, Sherwood, Springwood and Wilston Grange. These clubs were selected by AFL Brisbane Juniors following club nominations and discussions with AFL Queensland regional staff.
On-going discussions were held during the season to form the criteria for nomination in to the competition leading in to 2011 and beyond. AFL Brisbane Juniors clubs were presented with the concept for 2011 at a recent youth football forum and given the opportunity to discuss. The 2011 Under 16 McDonald’s Premier Cup concept was endorsed and a copy of the document presented can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
Major points discussed at the forum were:-
- Nomination - clubs are able to nominate for the 2011 competition by completing a nomination form and returning to AFL Brisbane Juniors by 1st December. The competition will consist of 12 teams;
- Grading – in place of a grading process a Lightning Cup will be held over 2 weekends (Sunday 27th March & Sunday 3rd April);
- Overage players - single team clubs will be able to apply for special permission for players turning 17 in October, November or December 2011 to play in the 2011 competition. This is only for the Under 16 McDonald's Cup competition and AFL Brisbane Juniors will carry out an assessment process before approving the application;
- Permits – single team clubs can apply for a maximum of 3 players from clubs in the lower Under 16 divisions to play on a Match Day Permit if they do not have 22 players available;
- Transfers (Clearances) - there will be restrictions for transfer applications from one AFL Brisbane Juniors club to another AFL Brisbane Juniors club. Approved players will be placed at the nearest available McDonald's Cup club at the discretion of AFL Brisbane Juniors based on 2010 registration figures and Club of Origin rule. Club of Origin relates to players who have played at the club in the past 4 years (2007, 2008, 2009 or 2010).
AFL Brisbane Juniors will be looking to introduce the same concept across all youth age groups in the future and will work closely with all stakeholders in 2011 to come up with the criteria for each age level.
Last Modified on 30/11/2010 13:41