Football Program Levels & Pathways

At Ipswich FC, we are committed to providing a clear, high-quality football journey for every child, from their first kick to elite senior competition.

For the 2026 season, we have simplified our program names to better align with Football Queensland (FQ) guidelines. Most notably, our “Metro Advanced” program is now the Community Advanced Program (CAP). This ensures the term “Academy” is reserved exclusively for teams competing in official Football Queensland Academy (FQA) leagues.

Programme Guide: Finding the Right Path

The Elite Pathway (By Trial/Selection Only)

For players whose primary goal is to reach the highest level of the sport and are ready to be tested against the best.

1. Academy (FQA): The club’s highest playing level.
   • Training: 3 sessions per week.
   • Matches: Official FQA League.
   • Access: Successful trial or invitation only.
2. Pre-Academy (PAP): A specialised “bridge” to the Academy. Players train 3 sessions per week alongside FQA squads to prepare for the physical and technical demands of elite football.
   • Training: up to 3 sessions per week.
   • Matches: Competitive Kangaroo (U8–U12) or MJL (U13–U18) leagues.
   • Access: Successful trial or invitation only.

The Competitive Pathway (By Trial/Selection Only)

For skilled players who want to play in the highest regional divisions but prefer a standard community training load.

1. Community Advanced Program (CAP): Formerly “Metro Advanced”. This tier provides high-level coaching and competition within a community-based structure.
   • Training: 2 sessions per week.
   • Matches: Competitive Kangaroo (U8–U12) or MJL (U13–U18) leagues.
   • Access: Successful trial only.

The Foundational Pathway (Open Entry – No Trials Required)

For players focused on fun, fitness, and learning the fundamentals in a supportive environment.

• Community Teams: Focus on participation and local skill development.
  • Access: Open to all players. Register and play.
• Calves Program (In-House): The ultimate convenience for busy families. All training and matches at our home ground.
  • Access: Open to all players. Register and play.

How the Selection Process Works

1. Register for Trials: If your child wishes to play in the Academy, Pre-Academy, or Community Advanced tiers, they must attend our scheduled trial blocks.
2. Assessment: Our technical staff will assess players based on current skill, potential, and attitude.
3. Offer: Successful players will receive an offer for the tier that best suits their current development.
4. Community Placement: Players not selected for a trial-based tier are automatically welcomed into our Community or Calves programmes, ensuring every child has a place to play at our club regardless of the trial outcome.

Program Definitions Table

Term	Definition	Playing Level
FQA Youth (FQA)	Teams playing in the official Football Queensland Academy League for U13–U18.	Highest
FQA Junior (FQA)	Teams playing in the official Football Queensland Academy League for U9–U12.	Highest
Pre-Academy (PAP)	Teams that play in the most competitive leagues within the community structure: Kangaroo (U8-U12) while training alongside FQA teams, with access to FQA staff and workshops to prepare for the FQA Junior League in the following season.	Intermediate
Community Advanced (CAP)	Teams that play in the most competitive leagues within the community structure: Kangaroo (U8-U12) or Metro Junior League (MJL) (U13-U18) in the Metro and beyond Zones.	Intermediate
Community	Teams that play in the Metro leagues (Brisbane & Ipswich Zone), focus on participation and skill development.	Foundational / “Social”

Program Comparison Table

Program	Selection Type	Training Load	Match Count	Season Length
Academy (FQA)	Trial / Invite	3 Nights / Week	~27 Matches	~40 Weeks
Pre-Academy (PAP)	Trial / Invite	3 Nights / Week	~18 Matches	~30 Weeks
Community Adv (CAP)	Trial / Invite	2 Nights / Week	~18 Matches	~26 Weeks
Community	Open Entry	1-2 Nights / Week	15–18 Matches	~24 Weeks
Calves (In-House)	Open Entry	1 Night / Week	15 Matches	~20 Weeks