Football Queensland is delighted to reveal the 28 clubs that will elevate our game to the next level as part of the exciting new two-tiered state football competition.

From 2018, PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland will expand from 12 to 14 teams and will be underpinned by the 14-team Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL).

Seven regional centres are represented in the restructuring, which brings with it the added excitement of promotion and relegation as determined by the combined tally of Senior, Youth (U20s) and U18s points.

Mackay & Whitsundays Magpies Crusaders United, a joint venture between two clubs, are one of two newcomers to a beefed-up PS4 NPL Queensland.

They will be joined in the state’s top tier by historic former National Soccer League force and reigning Flight Centre Premier League champions Lions FC.

Four regional outfits also headline the history-making FQPL, from which two teams will be promoted each season.

Football Wide Bay will guide a new side representing their hotbed of talent, a breeding ground which has produced the likes of former Caltex Socceroos goalkeeper Clint Bolton and Sydney FC’s title-winning midfielder Josh Brillante.

Sunshine Coast Wanderers and two new Gold Coast entities, Gold Coast Athletic and Gold Coast Galaxy, are set to strengthen their respective regions’ development pathways.

Ipswich Knights, Logan Lightning and PS4 NPL Women’s Queensland sides Souths United and Eastern Suburbs are among a diverse range of 10 Brisbane teams also admitted to the state second tier.

Football Queensland president Greg Redington said the restructure provides fresh impetus at all levels.

“This is a new era for football in Queensland,” Redington said.

“As we approach the end of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland’s fifth season, this is a prime opportunity to be bold and to advance our sport.

“Welcoming more clubs to state-level football means new opportunities for players, coach, referees and administrators.

“These changes are especially encouraging for football’s regional footprint as we tap into more of Queensland’s talent pool.

“We now look forward to working closely with all 28 clubs over the coming months in preparation for this big leap forward.”

Monday’s announcement of successful applicants follows the Football Queensland Board’s ratification of the selection panel’s recommendations.

Applications are currently being accepted from teams interested in taking part in PS4 NPL Women’s Queensland from 2018, with Football Queensland to begin assessing submissions on Monday, 19 June.