Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy

The Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy (QFFA) has been set up to support the best young talent in Queensland in achieving their goals of playing Super Netball and ultimately, for the Diamonds. The QFFA will aim to provide a clear pathway for young Queensland athletes to wear the Firebirds dress. It will also support Nationally categorised athletes and others selected in Queensland 17/U and 19/U for the National Netball Championships as well as the Firebirds Futures in Super Netball Reserves. There are also four regional branches of the Academy in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton to allow players to develop in their hometowns. Male athletes from the Queensland Suns and aspiring high-level umpires are also part of the QFFA.

The QFFA provides expert coaching, strength and conditioning and medical support. It also provides education in a number of areas including nutrition and mental preparation. The athletes also have a dedicated support team from Netball Queensland’s High Performance function as well as regular contact and engagement with the Queensland Firebirds staff and players.

2026 Squad 

 Kaylin Van Greunen
Elsa Sif Sandholt (Firebirds 11th Player)
Kirra Tappenden
Lillyana Rennie (Firebirds Training Partner)
Ellie Brice
Jayden Molo
Gemma Hutchings
Sasha Flegler (Firebirds Training Partner)
Tia Molo
Jessie Laga’aia (Firebirds Training Partner)
Maddi Ridley
Lily Gribbl
Nalani Makunde
Brook Lacey
Marley Burns
Charlotte Jonsen
Amy Williams
Simoné Botha
Ruby Stanford
Holly Comyns
Samaya Cook

Cairns – Ruby Croxford, Brooke Harold, Freya Young, Zoe Ciccheillo, Darna Ziegler
Townsville – Charlotte Clive, Lilly Johnston, Addison Whalley, Mia Solomona, Manaia Marsh, Hayley Killer (Umpire), Ashley Killer (Umpire)
Mackay – Amelia Jenner, Alysse Atherton, Kate O'Brien, Violet Walker, Zoe Jaenke (Umpire)
Rockhampton – Tessa Manning, Georgia Hanrahan, Mackenzie Cox, Alice Maguire (Umpire), Jade McErlain (Umpire)