FQPL1 Women Latest News

We’re excited to announce the signing of Riley Schneider!

Riley joins us from the University of Northern Colorado, competing at the NCAA Division I level in the Big Sky Conference. A proven leader, Riley served as team captain during her senior year and showcased exceptional versatility, playing six different positions during the 2025 season.

In addition to her collegiate success, Riley brings valuable pre-professional experience from the USL W League, where she competed with Rochester FC in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. She was a consistent presence on the field, logging 90 minutes in every match, and earned the trust of her teammates and staff as team captain.

With her leadership, adaptability, and high-level experience, Riley adds tremendous value both on and off the field. We’re thrilled to welcome her and look forward to what’s ahead.

Welcome, Riley!

North Lakes United is delighted to announce that Gemma Smedley has signed for the club’s First Team ahead of the upcoming season.

Gemma earned her first first-grade contract midway through last season after a string of consistent and impressive performances that quickly established her as a regular in the starting eleven. Known for her technical ability and composure on the ball, Gemma’s quality was reflected in her outstanding pass completion rate of over 80% in the NPLW - a testament to her vision and precision in possession.

Head Coach Anthony Costa, who has worked with Gemma since she was 15, praised her continued growth and dedication, noting her development and the maturity she brings both on and off the pitch.

We are thrilled to have Gemma continue her journey with North Lakes United and look forward to seeing the impact she will make again this season.

Gemma said, "I’ve re-signed with North Lakes United Football Club because it feels like home, a place where I’ve grown and been supported every step of the way. I’m excited to keep building on what we’ve started and to help the team reach new heights next season.

From age 15 to now, Costa's coaching has shaped not only the athlete I’ve become but also the person I am today. His guidance taught me discipline, resilience, and how to constantly push past my limits."

North Lakes FC is thrilled to announce that 17-year-old attacking talent, Hollie Kuypers, has re-signed for the upcoming season!

After an solid year of development and on-field impact, Hollie has earned her first-grade contract following a string of impressive performances in the NPLW, particularly during the latter stages of the season. Her hard work and determination were evident early on, as she was promoted from the U23s to first-grade at the end of preseason last year - a reward for her consistency and strong performances.

Whenever called upon to play for the U23s, Hollie consistently stood up, producing standout displays, including a memorable hat-trick against Gold Coast. Her sharp attacking instincts and ability to influence games in the final third have made her one of the club’s most exciting young prospects.

We can’t wait to see Hollie combine her lethal attacking ability shown in the NPLW U23s with the valuable first-grade experience she gained last season, as she looks to convert that potential into goals in the QPLW1.

A former Queensland U16 State Team representative in 2024, Hollie’s journey is a testament to her talent, hard work, and bright future in the game.

Hollie said, "I’m super excited to re-sign with North Lakes for the 2026 season! I’ve been at North Lakes for the last 3 years and am keen to continue working with Costa and the coaching staff to further develop my abilities!"

Welcome back, Hollie - we can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds in North Lakes colours!

North Lakes United is thrilled to announce the return of Dani Casey Poila for the upcoming season!

At just 18 years old, Dani has already established herself as one of the most exciting young talents in the region. A former Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) player and Queensland state team national title winner, Dani’s football journey continues to go from strength to strength.

Her hard work and determination were evident throughout last season, where she earned multiple call-ups to our NPLW First Grade side. Making the most of every opportunity, Dani’s impressive performances saw her rewarded with a First Grade contract midway through the year.

Most recently, Dani represented the Cook Islands U19 National Team at the OFC U19 Championship, where she made an immediate impact - earning Player of the Match honours in her very first game of the tournament.

We’re excited to welcome Dani back to North Lakes United and can’t wait to see her continue her development in our colours, and also guide the next generation of NLUFC talent as she coaches our U14 girls academy team.

On her return to the club, Dani stated, "I’m excited to continue contributing to the club and to keep building and competing as we work to get back on top." 

Welcome back, Dani!

North Lakes United is thrilled to announce the signing of Tara Thomas, an accomplished attacker whose quality and experience will be a huge asset to our squad.

Tara arrives from Samford FC, where she made a massive impact - claiming both the Players’ Player and MVP awards. Tara’s wicked left foot is set to become a major weapon in the North Lakes United attack.

Tara previously played in the Victorian NPLW with Preston Lions, and her goal-scoring prowess saw her take home the Golden Boot in the Victorian Premier League.

Tara said - “I’m excited to join this ambitious club and take the next step in my football journey with North Lakes. Can’t wait to get started”

We’re excited to welcome Tara to the North Lakes United family and can’t wait to see her light up the pitch in the upcoming season.

Welcome to North Lakes United, Tara!

North Lakes United FC is thrilled to announce that Ashlee Hummels has re-signed for the 2025 season!

Our 2025 Golden Boot winner, Ashlee, known for her blistering pace, is arguably one of the fastest players in the game, and her speed continues to be a nightmare for opposition defenders.

Ashlee brings a wealth of experience to the squad, having competed for many years across the NPLW and QPLW1 competitions. Before that, she proudly represented Queensland at the U16 Nationals Tournament, where her side took out the championship title.

With her talent, experience, and unmatched speed, Ashlee is ready to make an even bigger impact for North Lakes United FC this season. We can’t wait to see her lighting up the field once again in 2025!

Welcome back, Ashlee!

North Lakes United FC is thrilled to announce the signing of highly talented and accomplished young midfielder from New South Wales, Maddy Harris.

With a decorated background at both state and regional levels, Maddy has consistently demonstrated leadership, creativity, and technical excellence. 

Most recently, she captained the Regional New South Wales U18 Select Team at the KL Cup, guiding her side to victory in the international tournament. Across six appearances, she made a significant impact, recording 5 goals and 4 assists in a standout campaign.

Her representative honours extend further, having captained the New South Wales Country U16s in 2022 and helping her team secure Pool B winners and a fourth-place overall finish at the National Youth Championships. During that Nation Tournament, she made 5 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist. Maddy has attended the National Tournament, representing NSW Country for 3 years from 2020-2022.

At club level, her performances in 2022 for the Illawarra Stingrays earned her the Junior Midfielder of the Year award, recognising her as one of the most promising young players in the region. In recent years, she has represented Illawarra at U18 and senior level scoring numerous goals and providing multiple assists.

Maddy will also use her football knowledge to guide the next generation of players as she comes on board as our U13 girls Academy Head Coach.

Welcome to North Lakes United FC!

North Lakes United is thrilled to announce the signing of Emma Woods for the 2026 season!

Emma joins us from Samford after an incredible run of form over the past three years, during which she has scored more than 100 goals. Her remarkable achievements include winning three consecutive league Golden Boots, being named QPLW2 Player of the Year in 2024, and earning Player of the Year nominations in 2023 and 2025.

Emma currently serves as Head of Girls Football and U15 Girls Coach, and is completing her B-Diploma coaching qualification. Her passion for the game, leadership, and dedication make her a brilliant role model for our young players and the wider football community.

Head Coach Anthony Costa shared his excitement about the signing, saying:

“Emma is a proven goal scorer with fantastic work rate. She is going to fit in really well with how we want to play, and I'm excited to have her playing at North Lakes for the 2026 season.”

Emma also expressed her enthusiasm about returning to the club where it all began:

“I’m excited to be signing with NLUFC, returning to the club where my football journey began in 2009 with The Lakes FC. Having been part of the club’s growth as a coach, I can’t wait to contribute as a player under the guidance of Costa and alongside an ambitious group of players.”

Please join us in welcoming Emma Woods to North Lakes United.

North Lakes United FC is delighted to confirm the re-signing of club captain Willow Liukaina for the 2026 season - a significant retention as the team looks to hit the ground running for a very successful 2026 season.

A strong, skilled, and athletic centre back, Willow has been a cornerstone for North Lakes - anchoring the defence and setting the standard with her professionalism and commitment. A leader both on and off the pitch, she’s drawn on her many years of NPLW experience to guide and inspire those around her. Having previously helped both Brisbane City and North Lakes achieve promotion from QPLW1 to the NPLW, Willow’s experience will once again be invaluable as we push for promotion back into the top tier.

Her outstanding performances and leadership were recognised when she was awarded the 2025 Coach’s Award, acknowledging her consistency, influence, and dedication throughout the season.

With many years of NPLW experience, Willow brings invaluable leadership and composure to the side and remains a central figure in the club’s aspirations for success.

Head Coach, Anthony Costa said - "Willow was an absolute rock for us last season and I am thrilled she has re-signed for us for next season. She is an exceptional player and I have no doubt she will have a strong 2026".

North Lakes United FC is proud to have Willow back again in 2026.

North Lakes United is delighted to confirm that Alyssa Hutchison has re-signed for the upcoming season. After an outstanding year with the club, Aly returns ready to build on her exceptional form and continue making a significant impact on and off the field.

Aly’s 2025 season was nothing short of remarkable, earning her both the Players’ Player Award and the NLU NPLW Player of the Year Award. These honours reflect her consistency, technical excellence, and invaluable contribution to the team’s success throughout the year.

Known for her exceptional work rate, composure, and team-first attitude, Aly is a player who consistently elevates those around her. Her performances last season set a high standard, and the club is confident she will continue to be a key figure in North Lakes United’s ongoing development and success.

Anthony Costa, Head Coach, said - "Aly is an exceptional player and person, and I am excited to welcome her back for another season and look forward to seeing her continue to excel at North Lakes United"

Welcome back, Alyssa.