Sunshine Coast FC

Club history

Sunshine Coast FC were founded in 2007 by Noel Woodall in order to participate in the inaugural season of the Queensland State League, a competition designed to bridge the gap between the Hyundai A-League and the various regional and city-based leagues across Queensland. Sunshine Coast kicked off in the new competition in March 2008, finding instant success as the club managed to win the inaugural Hyundai Queensland State League Grand Final by defeating the Brisbane Strikers 1–0 through a goal from Bryan Gilfillan. However, after a run of injuries and difficulty in getting permits for foreign players, the Fire have had a less successful season in 2009, placed 3rd from 11 teams after 20 games, on 41 points. In 2010 the Club again captured the Premiership and Championship. Former head coach Richard Hudson led the Fire to the 2012 QSL Grand Final where they would capture the final Championship before the new National Premier League. Kevin Aherne-Evans took over from Richard Hudson as head coach for the 2013 and 2014 NPL Queensland seasons, before being replaced in 2015 by Paul Arnison.

Academy

Sunshine Coast FC also run a junior football development academy, designed to work with young players to develop essential footballing skills and fundamentals, similar to that of most football clubs worldwide. The academy represents three separate age groups – 3–5 year olds (nicknamed the Squirts), 6–10 year olds (Juniors) and 11–16 year olds (Youth). The academy head coach is Richard Hudson.

Current squad

2017 NPL Queensland Squad, correct to 5 March 2017.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Honours