Tier 2 Academy FAQ's

What does it mean that ATWFC is now a Tier 2 club?

Being a Tier 2 club means Football Queensland (FQ) has officially recognised ATWFC as a ‘Development Committed’ club. It means we meet FQ’s high standards for coaching, player development, and club structure. It’s a quality assurance badge that indicates we’re committed to developing exceptional footballers and even better individuals.

Is this the same as the FQ Academy in Brisbane?

Not exactly. Think of us as an officially recognised academy partner. We are part of the FQ Academy network and deliver a high-quality program right here in Bundaberg. This accreditation strengthens the pathway for our players, helping them to progress from our club to higher-level programs, such as FQ Academy (Wide Bay), FQPL, NPL, or state representative selections.

What age groups does this Tier 2 program apply to?

The FQ development framework typically focuses on the “Skill Acquisition” and “Game Training” phases, which cover players from Under 9 to Under 16. However, the principles and our “Waves Way” philosophy apply to every single player, from MiniRoos to our Seniors.

How does this Tier 2 status actually benefit my child?

Your child gets access to a more structured, proven, and professional football environment. It’s a massive step up from a standard community club. The most significant benefits are:

• Better-Qualified Coaches: Our coaches must meet FQ accreditation requirements and, just as importantly, receive ongoing professional development and mentoring from the club.
• A Proven Club-Wide Plan: Training is no longer just “drills” that change from coach to coach. Every team trains under our official “Waves Way” philosophy and W.A.V.E.S. Coaching Methodology. This means a consistent, high-quality experience for all players.
• Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Focus: We are required to follow an LTAD framework. This means we have a clear, age-appropriate plan for every stage, from U5’s to Seniors. We focus on developing the holistic 4-corners of the player (Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Mental), prioritising long-term excellence over short-term, “win-at-all-costs” results.
• Formal Player Feedback: This isn’t a guess anymore. We are required to provide formal individual player reviews at least twice per season. This review will highlight your child’s strengths and identify clear areas for improvement based on our club’s player profiles.
• Fair Playing Time & Monitoring: As an accredited club, we are accountable. We must maintain a log of player attendance and game time. This ensures we are following our club policies and that development and participation are being managed fairly.
• Clearer Pathways: We now have a formal, FQ-recognised structure that supports players from their first kicks all the way to our FQPL senior teams.
• A 40-Week Season Plan: Our development doesn’t stop and start. The Tier 2 accreditation is built around a minimum 40-week annual plan, meaning your child is part of a year-round, structured program.

You say training will change. What does that actually look like?

Great question. It means every session has a clear purpose. Our coaches will all be trained in the W.A.V.E.S. Framework:

W – The 5 W’s (What, Why, When, Where, How)

A – The football Actions to solve the problem

V – Variability to challenge all players

E – Engagement to make it fun and competitive

S – Success measurement

This means we’re focused on developing the whole player (Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Psychological) and creating smart, decision-making players, not robots.

Q: How will my child get feedback on their development?

This is a key part of the Tier 2 requirements. We now have a formal player review process in place. You can expect a formal review at least twice per season (mid-season and end-of-season). This feedback will be directly linked to our club’s Player Profiles, which outline the specific skills we’re developing at each age group.

My child is a good player, but doesn’t want to be in an “academy team.” Will they be pushed out or forced to play at a level they don’t want to?

Absolutely not. This is so important to us. Community football remains the heart and soul of our club. Our FORZA value “F” stands for Family and Fun. Tier 2 is simply one pathway for players who are highly ambitious. We will always have community teams, and our goal is to grade all players appropriately so they are being challenged, developing, and—most importantly—having fun with their mates.

Will the Tier 2 “academy teams” be competing in the local Bundaberg league?

Yes. For regional clubs, this Tier 2 status is a club accreditation, not an entry into a new Brisbane-based league. Our teams will continue to compete in their current competitions, including the local league and the FQPL. The FQ documents state that any new “games program” for regional Tier 2 clubs is only a future proposal, so for now, your weekend schedule won’t be changing.

Will this create a massive gap in the local competition, with the Waves team being too advanced?

You’ve hit on a key part of our player-centric model. We look at development on two levels:

• For Individual Players: If a player is excelling, we can challenge them by having them play in an age group above their current level. This is always a collaborative decision among the club, parents, and the player to ensure it’s right for their overall development.
• For Whole Teams: This is a major advantage of our Tier 2 accreditation. If we find that an entire team is developing faster than their current competition, as an accredited club, we have the ability to work directly with Football Queensland (FQ) to move that whole team into a more challenging age group or division for the season.

This formal process ensures that our players receive the ‘like-for-like’ competition they need, and it’s all managed through the official FQ pathway.

Will there be more travel for players and families?

For the vast majority of our teams, the answer is no. As mentioned, we are still part of our local competitions. The only exception might be for certain high-development squads that could be invited to special FQ carnivals or showcases, but this would be communicated well in advance.

So… are fees definitely going up? And what do we get for it? 

We are a community club first and foremost, and we are 100% committed to keeping football accessible and affordable. That said, this accreditation comes with higher standards and some additional costs, such as mandatory coach accreditation courses and access to better resources. Any potential fee adjustment will be clearly communicated before registration. What you get in return is the guarantee of a quality-assured program, vetted by Football Queensland, featuring accredited coaches, and a proven, long-term development plan.

What are the expectations for Tier 2 players and parents? 

Our expectations are aligned with our FORZA values. We expect a strong commitment to training and the team, respect for coaches, teammates, and referees, and support for the “Waves Way” philosophy. This means we focus on effort, teamwork, and development over a “win-at-all-costs” mentality. We’re a family, and we expect everyone to buy into that positive culture.

This sounds great. Who do I contact if I have questions about my child’s pathway? 

We’re always here to chat. Your first point of contact should always be your team’s coach. For more specific questions about the club’s technical direction or your child’s long-term pathway, you can contact Rob Custers, the Club Technical Director, [email protected].

Forza Waves! 🌊⚽