QGSSSA Announces Paradigm Shift, Introducing Esports to 2026 Sporting Calendar

Brisbane, Queensland

The Queensland Girls’ Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA), a premier entity in scholastic female sport, has announced a significant paradigm shift by officially integrating esports into its sporting calendar starting in 2026. This pioneering move aims to provide inclusive, future-focused, competitive experiences for young women in the dynamic digital arena.

The initiative, which received the full endorsement of the QGSSSA Board, directly aligns with the Association’s Strategic Plan priorities: Innovation, Participation, and Leadership.

To ensure a professional and high-quality competitive experience, the QGSSSA is partnering with Queensland Esports (QE). This collaboration provides the necessary expertise and platform to deliver two pilot events in the 2026 calendar year.

The two officially sanctioned QGSSSA x QE esports tournaments will be hosted at St Margaret’s AGS, an established pioneer in girls’ gaming programs in the region:

• Event 1: Friday, June 5, 2026 (Term 2, Week 7)
• Event 2: Friday, October 23, 2026 (Term 4, Week 3)

Details regarding the specific game titles and the full competitive corpus (structure and rules) are scheduled for release in early 2026, with the entire trial program set for a formal review by the QGSSSA Board at the end of the year.

Dr. Sandra Hastie, Principal of Somerville House and President of the QGSSSA, affirmed the strategic rationale behind the decision. “The introduction of esports reflects QGSSSA’s ongoing commitment to our Strategic Plan priorities,” Dr. Hastie stated. “We are thrilled to be advancing opportunities for girls in the digital arena, and to be opening up exciting new pathways that promote teamwork, creativity, and confidence in a rapidly evolving world.”

Brodie Fisher, Director of Queensland Esports & Gaming, welcomed the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the amazing people at QGSSSA, working together to build a better future for high school esports as well as strong competitive pathways for all students who have a passion for esports and gaming.”