Player Pathway Terminology
“Something 4 Everyone” is our promise. We’ve structured our club into four clear programs, each defined by a specific level of commitment and competition. This ensures every child is placed where they can best develop, enjoy the game, and feel challenged.
Level | Abbreviation | Football Program | Description |
1.   | FQA | Academy Program | Elite Performance & State-Level Competition (FQA League) |
2.   | PAP | Pre-Academy Program | High-Level Development & Pathway to the Academy |
3.   | CAP | Community Advanced Program | High Competition & Structured Environment within the Community Leagues |
4.   | CMP | Community Program | Participation, Fun, and Foundational Skill Development |
Overview
Launching for the 2026 season, the new Pre-Academy Program (PAP) is a specialised pathway designed to prepare highly-identified players for the rigorous standards of the FQ Academy (FQA) environment.
The PAP is currently in the final development stages. In essence, players in this program will have the same high expectations as an FQA player; the main difference is the competition level:
- Structure & Training: Selected PAP teams will be structured, coached, and trained with the same standards, commitment, and technical focus as our FQA squads.
- Competition: PAP teams will compete in the highest possible community division for their age group, ensuring strong competition while focusing on holistic player development outside the FQA league framework.
Program Structure and Age Groups (2026 Season)
The PAP targets the following age groups for the 2026 season:
- U9 Boys: This age group serves as the core Pre-Academy pathway, specifically designed to prepare players for the demands of the U10 FQA season the following year.
- U13 Girls: This team is included to strategically prepare players for the shift from 9v9 to 11v11 football the following season, ensuring a strong, deep squad capable of meeting the technical and tactical demands of the transition.
- U14 Boys: This team will also be included in the Pre-Academy structure for the 2026 season.
Note: At this stage, the club will only be implementing the PAP for the U9 Boys, U13 Girls, and U14 Boys for the 2026 Season. Any further expansion will depend on player and coach selection and will be communicated later.
Commitment and Requirements
Please be aware that the Pre-Academy Program requires a significantly increased commitment from both players and parents, mirroring the demands of our FQA teams:
- FQA Standards: Teams will strictly adhere to the rigorous training structure and expectations of the FQA program.
- Mandatory Attendance: All selected players must commit to the full training and fixture schedule.
- Compulsory Program: The PAP includes compulsory workshops, inductions, and adherence to specific player requirements for both the athlete and their parent/guardian to ensure alignment with the club’s development philosophy.
- Financial Commitment: The PAP involves additional costs that apply on top of the standard Metro player fees. To view the full fee schedule, please refer to the Fees section on our club website.
The Pre-Academy Program is the club’s key initiative to bridge development and ensure our talent is fully prepared for competitive academy football.