Across the Waves FC is proud to announce that we have been officially accredited as a Tier 2 Football Queensland Academy, becoming the first and only club in the Wide Bay region to achieve this milestone.
This accreditation, marked by the prestigious “Development Committed” shield from Football Queensland, represents a historic moment for football in Bundaberg and surrounding areas. It signifies that Across the Waves FC meets the nationally recognised standards for youth development set by Football Queensland and Football Australia – standards designed to identify and nurture talented young players through structured, high-quality coaching programs. The Football Queensland Academy system is Football Australia’s only recognised and approved advanced pathway in Queensland, providing players with an official pathway for state team selection and progression to national team programs.
From the 2026 season, Across the Waves FC will launch it’s Academy program – a comprehensive player development pathway that will give young footballers the environment, quality coaching, and opportunities they need to progress to higher levels of the game, whether that’s advancing into senior first teams, semi-professional competitions, or professional environments.
The journey to Tier 2 accreditation has been a year-long process, commencing in early 2025. Throughout this period, the club has been working behind the scenes to align with Football Queensland’s strict criteria, which assesses clubs across four key areas: staff technical qualifications, planning, delivery, and outcomes. Successfully meeting these standards demonstrates that Across the Waves FC has the infrastructure, vision, and capability to deliver a truly elite development experience for young players.
For players and families, A Tier 2 Academy in Bundaberg means access to a structured, transparent development pathway unlike anything previously available in the Wide Bay region. Players will benefit from high-quality coaching delivered by the region’s most qualified club technical team, a clear pathway into higher competitions, opportunities to test themselves against top-level opposition, and a holistic program focused not just on football skills, but also on building character, resilience, and passion for the game.
Further details about the Across the Waves Academy – including age groups, structure, EOI processes, and talent ID sessions — will be announced in the coming weeks as the club prepares for the 2026 season.
“This is a proud and defining moment for our club,” said Club President Tim Roebuck. “Becoming the first club in Wide Bay to achieve Tier 2 accreditation is a clear statement of our commitment to developing the game locally and giving our young footballers the best possible pathway.”
Recently-appointed Technical Director Rob Custers said the accreditation reflects the club’s vision for the future:
“Earning ‘FQ Development Committed’ status validates our commitment to delivering a top-tier technical program for every player who wears our badge. This recognition confirms we have the structure, coaching, and methodology to produce brave, creative, and intelligent footballers, and it formally aligns our development model with FQ’s state-wide pathways. It’s a clear signal that Waves is the best place in the region for player development. The future is incredibly bright here at Waves.”
The club would like to thank its technical partner Brisbane City FC, and their 2025 Director of Football Jake Goodship who worked with our team to assist with the process of attaining this accreditation.
With Tier 2 Academy accreditation secured and the Across the Waves Academy officially commencing, the future of football in Wide Bay has never been brighter. This achievement lays the foundation for local players to grow, compete, and thrive – right here at Across the Waves FC.