Words: Staff Writers

Football Queensland today announced that Brisbane Roar Youth will forfeit two upcoming PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland 2015 matches.

Young Roar’s scheduled away fixtures against Northern Fury and FNQ Heat will now no longer proceed after the Roar cited heavy commitments across their football operations.

Under PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland competition rules, Heat and Fury receive three competition points and a 3-0 forfeited result for the matches which were scheduled for July 11 and July 18, respectively.

A statement from Roar explained that the looming high-profile friendly match against English powerhouse Liverpool, and the potential for a number of Young Roar players to take part, had played a significant part in their decision.

The statement reads, “The Roar first-team squad, which includes several players recently promoted from the club's Youth ranks, resumes training on 1 July.”

“As well as an intensive fitness program, the short preparation for the Liverpool game is expected to also include an in-house 11-versus-11 training match which would be difficult to stage with players travelling out of Brisbane twice in seven days.”

“A number of Youth players are also vying for selection in the Roar squad to take on Liverpool the night before the rescheduled PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland match against the Fury.”

“With the above scheduling in mind, Brisbane Roar has regretfully decided against sending players to Townsville and Cairns for the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland matches at those venues next month.”

“Football Federation Australia, Football Queensland, the Fury, the Heat and other stakeholders have been advised of the club's decision,” the statement concludes.