North Queensland’s emerging Aussie rules talent will get the rare opportunity to play at the state’s newest stadium with Great Barrier Reef Arena to host the 2023 and 2024 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup North Queensland Championships.
The North Queensland Championships will bring the best schools together from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Capricornia to battle it out for a spot at the state finals later in the year across six male and female divisions.
“To be part of a competition that allows students to be part of a genuine statewide competition with approximately 14,000 other kids is a wonderful opportunity,” said AFL Participation & Programs Manager - Schools & Diversity, Damien Mitchelmore.
“Any opportunity to play at a championship event is an opportunity to be noticed.
“We were excited about the quality of the venue and the wonderful region that Mackay is, so we’re absolutely thrilled that Mackay Regional Council have supported us in bringing the event here for two years.”
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay was well-known for growing and developing young and emerging athletes.
“We’re thrilled to have 13 schools and 33 teams participating in the StreetSmarts AFL Queensland Schools Cup this year,” Mr Williamson said.
“We expect that this will be a fantastic event for the Mackay region across the board; for local tourism, as well.”
The North Queensland Championships will be held at Harrup Park from August 15-16 leading into State Finals on the Sunshine Coast in October.
AFL Participation & Programs Manager - Schools & Diversity Damien Mitchelmore and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
