The National Premier Leagues took one step closer to kick-off on Wednesday when representatives from Football Queensland joined fellow state federations in welcoming the new competition at Football Federation Australia headquarters in Sydney.

FFA CEO David Gallop and Sydney United coach and football media personality Mark Rudan officially unveiled the competition’s official name in addition to its much anticipated logo – a striking blue design that will serve to unify each state’s elite competitions under a common brand.

The inaugural National Premier Leagues season will start in Queensland in March and is a key outcome of FFA’s National Competitions Review, a process which commenced more than two years ago.

The new competition seeks to apply national guidelines to elite football in all states and territories for the first time and ensures a consistent development pathway exists across the nation for players of both genders.

Youth development is a key focus with all NPL licensed clubs requiring a qualified technical director and accredited coaches at all age levels to ensure the next generation of aspiring footballers, not only in Queensland but nationwide, are ready to take the next step in their football journey.

Speaking at the launch, Football Federation of Australia CEO David Gallop described the National Premier Leagues as a “landmark in the development of Australian football”.

“Certainly coming to football from another code, I have been impressed with the collaboration and resulting co-ordination that this project is all about,” Gallop stated.

“The National Competition Review is now a two year exercise. It was a very robust process where (FFA) have engaged with a range of stakeholders to come up with a new model for state-based elite football – the National Premier Leagues.”

“The semi-pro state league clubs have always been the engine room of Australia’s player development system and have always provided a local focus of football passion across the nation.”

“Today’s launch of the National Premier Leagues model gives the state-based competitions the status and organisational structure they deserve.”

“It’s something that we are very proud of and something that has taken a lot of work.”

Gallop also made mention of Football Queensland’s ongoing support of the NCR process and implementing the National Premier Leagues ethos.

“Football is very healthy in Queensland. They have embraced the changes, embraced the new standards and it will benefit the clubs from under 12’s right through the senior ranks,” Gallop explained.

“The spread of the game across the whole state is an important part of continuing the growth of the game.”

Football Queensland CEO Geoff Foster attended the launch and echoed FFA’s endorsement.

“We’re embracing the National Premier Leagues with open arms.” Foster enthused.

“It has been a couple of years in the making and it will provide consistency moving forward; the governance and minimum coaching standards are critical to the success of the National Premier Leagues.”

“With national guidance, where coaching standards are not left to the discretion of the states, it provides clear direction which will drive our coach education and ultimately produce better players.”

The National Premier League in Queensland begins its opening round of fixtures on March 7 and features twelve clubs spanning from Cairns in the state’s north to Gold Coast in the south.

Clubs challenging for the inaugural title include ex-NSL participants Brisbane Strikers and Brisbane City, Townsville based former A-League club Northern Fury and last season’s Queensland State League champions Sunshine Coast FC.

The NPL season will conclude with a national play-off between the various state champions and Foster is confident that Queensland clubs can offer their interstate rivals a formidable challenge.

“Queenslanders have always punched above their weight. Recently, we saw ten of our youngsters invited to a Joeys camp; it’s a testament to our coaching staff, our structures and systems.”

“We believe that Queensland’s clubs are mature enough to compete at that level and we welcome the challenge.”

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)