FQ Academy Junior (9-12)

Virginia United commenced its Junior Academy in 2015. This Academy program eventually evolved into our successful FQ-licensed Skills Acquisition Program in 2020. At the end of 2021, after the Football Queensland annual assessment, the program was elevated from Bronze to Silver tier. The club is fully committed to the ongoing development and evolution of our FQ Academy Program. We currently offer boys' teams (U9-U12) in FQ Academy 2, while our girls' teams (U11 and U12) compete in FQ Academy 2.

Note: the FQA Boys U9 team plays in the MiniRoos competition as FQA Academy leagues start at U10. 

The program is highly regarded and respected within the football community, recently producing and assisting the movement of numerous graduates to external FQ1 boys' and girls' programs, as well as producing high-quality players for our own FQ Academy Youth Program.

We are also proud to announce that two boys have received direct entry to the Brisbane Roar Youth Academy and two girls have entered the QAS (Queensland Academy of Sport).

Our boys' and girls' Junior FQ Academy Program is overseen by FQ Junior Technical Director Ellis Shaw who has been with the club for several years.  

In 2026, the club will field teams in the following age groups: 

2026 marks the Club's fifth year of a high-performance pathway for our junior female players with a high percentage of players progressing into our FQ Academy youth teams and FQPL 1 teams. For boys, 2026 marks the Club's sixth year of offering a player pathway into the FQ Academy youth teams and FQPL 2 teams.  

Should you have questions regarding the FQ Academy Junior Program, please contact Ellis Shaw via email juniorTD@vufc.com.au

• FQ Academy teams train three times per week.
• FQ Academy teams consist of players with moderate to advanced skill levels.
• FQ Academy training is based on technical periodisation, covering more complex subjects while ensuring sessions remain fun yet challenging.
• FQ Academy teams have experienced coaches who are either playing at an elite level, have significant coaching experience, or hold/are pursuing an Advanced Coaching License (a professional coaching qualification).
• Attendance expectations for training sessions are higher for FQ Academy players.

Players should trial for this program if they:

• Consistently demonstrate above-average football abilities in training and games.
• Can commit to three training sessions per week.
• Are willing to listen and learn in a structured training environment.
• Are interested in developing their skills in a challenging environment.
• Have competed at the highest level in community Football Queensland competitions.

Please note: This program may not suit all players. Consider the above points before registering your child for a trial.

How do you raise the national standard of players graduating to play for the Brisbane Roar or the Socceroos?

The key is to start young and ensure the foundation of the skill pyramid is solid. It is very challenging to correct poor techniques learned in junior football. Therefore, it is critical that skills are developed in the right environment.

U8-U12 is known as the "golden age of motor learning." During this period, before the growth spurt associated with puberty, children are well-balanced and coordinated, making them highly receptive to developing motor skills (techniques). This period is also a key developmental phase for the brain.

No other phase in life offers faster motor learning, making it crucial to optimise this period by providing professional coaching to players showing promise in these age categories.

The FQ Junior Program at Virginia United Football Club offers players the opportunity to compete at the highest levels in the state, with exposure to high-level coaching and competition.

Watch this space for our upcoming 2025 coaching annoucnements.