Dragons breathing fire over proposed rego-fee rises
Shire clubs
Douglas United soccer club has joined with more than 100 other clubs across the state in fighting proposed rises to Football Queensland’s registration fees.
One community soccer club president calculated the fees were set to rise by close to 65 per cent for the coming season, but FQ denied that - saying fees next season for a senior player would be about $1420 and the changes were more about restructuring the way the money is paid.
The Dragons, however, put out a statement on Friday saying the club is “committed to affordable football for all”.
“More than 100 clubs have come together with one clear message: major decisions affecting players, families, volunteers and community clubs must be transparent, properly explained and developed through genuine consultation,” the club stated.
“This is not about resisting change. It is about ensuring that change is reasonable, properly planned and does not place unfair costs, risks or administrative burdens on families and volunteer-run clubs.”
The statement calls on FQ to pause the proposed 2027 Competition Access Fee model, provide full financial transparency, and work with clubs toward a fair and sustainable way forward.
FQ also released a statement on Friday.
“Football Queensland is aware of concerns raised by clubs regarding the proposed changes to the 2027 fee structure, and we want to reassure our football community that those concerns are being taken seriously,” the FQ stated.
“We recognise that further consultation and clearer communication were needed.
“The Football Queensland Board will meet with the Football Queensland Congress over the coming days, and will continue to work with stakeholders as we have over the course of this week on a way forward.”
