The AFL Queensland Schools of Excellence program has officially launched for 2025.
This year, the program welcomes 13 endorsed secondary schools, including the exciting new additions of Bribie Island State High School and Sunshine Beach State High School.
In 2025, the AFL Queensland School of Excellence continues to expand, with six age groups divided into two competitive divisions:
- Division 1 includes;
o Brisbane South State Secondary School College
o Helensvale State High School
o Southport State High School
o Mountain Creek State High School
o Palm Beach Currumbin State High School
o Pacific Pines State High School
o Varsity College
- Division 2 includes;
o Bribie Island State High School
o Narangba Valley State High School
o Sunshine Beach State High School
o Woodcrest State College
o Springwood State High School
o Park Ridge State High School
With a total of 73 teams across these age groups, this year's program has seen an impressive increase from the 44 teams that participated in 2024.
AFL Queensland Participation and Programs Manager ‑ Schools, Inclusion and Diversity, Jeff Neumann, said seeing the program expand with more schools and teams was exciting to see.
"It shows the increasing enthusiasm for Australian rules football to be delivered in school,” he said.
“The program is a credit to the dedication of our schools in providing their students with the opportunity to develop their skills and passion for the game."
In addition to secondary schools, the AFL Queensland Schools of Excellence is proud to include Banksia Beach State School as the sole endorsed primary school for 2025.
The program will offer tailored participation matches for primary school students throughout the year, aiming to build a foundation for future Australian rules football stars.
“This exciting new initiative also introduces a complete program from Prep to Grade 6 for students at Banksia Beach,” said Neumann.
“This program will feed into the Bribie Island State High School Australian rules football development pathway, providing a strong and continuous development framework for students from the very beginning of their Aussie rules journey.”