Clubs announce merger plans

Pictured: Moreton Bay United Chairman Ben Parkin, left and ACE President Tony Dooley ready for the merger.

Two of the region’s biggest football clubs – Albany Creek Excelsior (ACE) and Moreton Bay United – will merge next month to form Moreton City Excelsior.

The merger, which comes into effect on November 1, has been 18 months in the making and supported by Football Queensland.

A new logo has been confirmed. Playing colours will follow with the red, gold and black of ACE and Moreton Bay likely to be key components.

Moreton City Excelsior will retain its senior teams in the state’s top league NPL Qld and second tier FQPL competitions.

The Gold-rated junior academy programs of Moreton Bay United will be adapted and used across all teams in the new bigger club.

“This process has not been taken lightly and we will always pay homage to the proud history of both clubs and the undeniable success which has stamped the region as a force in Queensland football,” ACE President Tony Dooley said on the club’s website.

“The most exciting aspect for me is the opportunity for our community players to be exposed to the current Gold-rated junior academy of Moreton Bay United technical team and for our senior players to play for the one club at NPL or FQPL level from 2024.”

Ben Parkin, Chairman of Moreton Bay United, said on his club’s website: “The history of these two clubs will always remain at the heart of the new club and I am really excited about what the future looks like for Moreton City Excelsior.

“Combining these two proud clubs provides so many varied pathways through our Senior, Youth and Community programs, aligns many roles and processes, removes duplication and enhances continuity, consistency and sustainability that will allow us to be a force in Queensland and Australia for years to come.”

Football Queensland CEO Rob Cavallucci said on the FQ website the merger will “form a stronger club that will deliver an improved football experience and a more sustainable operational model.

“This decision reflects the clear evidence that clubs who reach a critical mass of participants unlock significant benefits with higher and more stable revenue streams, improved green space utilisation and reduced resource duplication.

“With the ability to fund more paid positions in key roles, there is a lower reliance on volunteers, leading to the delivery of stronger pathways and long-term club sustainability.”

ACE was formed in 1963. It launched Moreton Bay United as a foundation member of the NPL Qld in 2013 and shared grounds at Brendale and Wolter Park.

Moreton Bay United won the NPL Qld Premiership and Grand Final in 2015, and was runner-up and grand finalists this year.

ACE won the Brisbane Premier League in 2018, 2019 and 2021, the grand final in 2019, promotion from FQPL2 in 2022 and was sixth in FQPL1 this year.