Football Queensland (FQ) has today received official notification from North Queensland United confirming the club’s withdrawal from National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland.

Following consultation and collaboration with FQ throughout the course of the season, North Queensland United will relinquish their NPL Queensland licence, effective immediately.

“We’d like to acknowledge everyone who has supported the club and players this season. We’re not ruling out an opportunity to re-enter NPL in the future,” North Queensland United General Manager Declan Carnes said.

The key outcome of this consultation process was to ensure investment in youth development is delivered in North Queensland through sustainable pathways.

FQ will present a proposed regional development model to NQ clubs and North Queensland Football at scheduled consultation meetings, starting Tuesday, 28 August.

This includes plans to appoint a new regional development team of 10, consisting of regional development officers, skill acquisition program officers and an advanced coaching director to focus on achieving consistency in youth development across Queensland.

“While disappointed to relinquish our licence, we believe the proposed model from FQ will deliver long-term sustainability and more opportunities for local talent and regional football as a whole,” Carnes said.

FQ Chief Executive Officer Richard Griffiths said the state governing body is committed to providing opportunities for players across the state.

“We applaud the efforts made by North Queensland United and the significant work of all parties, however the challenges of running a regional NPL club remain real,” Griffiths said.

“The proposed new model will see investment in a qualified team and the delivery of sustainable programs and competitions in regional Queensland.”

FQ representatives will meet with the directors of Cairns FC today and an announcement on the club’s future participation in NPL Queensland will be made tomorrow.

The relinquishment of North Queensland United’s NPL Queensland licence will not impact promotion from the Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) to the NPL Queensland in 2019. By relinquishing the licence, North Queensland United will not participate in the FQPL.

A decision on relegation from the NPL Queensland will be announced shortly.