Caboolture and Samford Rangers have been named among the eight clubs which will form the new state-level Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) 2 from 2021.
Samford move up two tiers, bypassing the Brisbane Premier League (BPL), to go straight into the state’s new third division, the FQPL2. Caboolture move up one level from the BPL.
They will be joined by Coomera Colts, Magic United (Carrara), Grange Thistle, North Star (Zillmere), Taringa Rovers and Virginia United – who were selected from 15 applicants.
Both sides will enter the FQPL2 with new coaches. Paul Brownlie has taken over at Samford, replacing Terry Kirkham who has moved to Caboolture as Head of Football and Head Coach. “We already had Terry coming here to get us higher in the BPL, then this (FQPL2) opportunity came along,” says Caboolture General Manager Peter Dutton.
“Our five-year plan was to go to the NPL. Everything was in motion …. and now everyone is over the moon. This has created a lot of excitement and we’re confident we can get it going.”
Early recruitment has seen defender Cameron Crestani, who won the NPL Premiership with Peninsula Power this month, sign for Snakes with ex-Power striker Shaun Feuerriegel. Carol Bacioterracino has also re-signed and more are to be announced.
Wednesday’s announcement caps a remarkable rise for Samford who won Brisbane’s Capital League 1 this season by 11 points, losing just one game.
Rangers had won Capital League 4 in 2017, skipped Capital 3 in a restructure, were runners-up in Capital 2 in 2018 and finished seventh in Capital 1 last season.
“We thought we’d be going into the BPL, but the FQPL option came up,” says Rangers President Graham Young, “we considered it and thought we’d give it a go.
“This doesn’t really change many plans for us. Getting Paul Brownlie as head coach was very important and like all teams we’re looking to bolster playing stocks.”
Samford is interviewing candidates to coach its Under 23 team in the FQPL2 which has four clubs (Rangers, Grange, Virginia, North Star) all from Brisbane northern suburbs.
“Everyone loves local derbies,” says Graham Young, who was club treasurer and became president two weeks ago, “we’re looking forward to them.”
Paul Brownlie’s playing career included time at Peninsula Power, Caboolture, North Star, and Strikers. He has coached at North Star, Caboolture and steered Samford Reserves to the premiership this year.
Sweeney Reserve is a delightful park rich in cultural heritage tucked away behind Gympie and Dayboro Roads. Unless you’re a local you may not even know it was there. …
Crisp air, clear skies and a roaring fireplace - the Moreton Bay region's hinterland is the perfect place for a winter escape to remember, and it's not too far from home. …
Local Sport • 3-4-2018 • Kylie Knight
We sit down with rugby league legend, Mal Meninga and chat all things league, kids and even Frozen. …
Local Stories • 4-9-2019 • Kylie Knight
No dream is too big for Izaack Powell — playing for Brisbane Roar, Australia or even Manchester United one day…
Local Stories • 17-9-2019 • Kylie Knight
If you think that last term went quickly and you’re scrambling to come up with ways to keep the kids entertained these holidays, don’t panic. There are plenty of options across the Moreton Bay Region, especially now the warmer weather has arrived…
Local Stories • 26-9-2019 • Kylie Knight
Fraser Vaughan proved he was made of tough stuff at the world championships in July, pushing through excruciating pain, refusing to give up and giving his world title defence his best shot…
Local Sport • 1-11-2019 • Kylie Knight
Turns out pounding the pavement at ParkRun isn't what motivates most runners to get up, lace up their joggers and get moving on a Saturday morning - it's actually the delicious hard-earned breakfast they get to enjoy with friends afterwards.…
Local News • 21-3-2020 • Kylie Knight
With a passion for community Sport and the Aussie way of "Giving it a go" resulted in Sunshine Coast University graduate, Jackson Dickfos, creating SportsCube. SportsCube aims to help clubs and businesses connect. Key to this is making information about sponsorship packages accessible in one place.…