Football Queensland expands staff in Whitsunday Coast

Nick Scialpi25/01/2022 5:55 am24/01/2022

Football Queensland has announced the appointment of two new team members on the Whitsunday Coast, continuing their push to bolster staff in regional parts of the state.

The first new addition is Darren Thomas, who will join as Club Development Ambassador – Whitsunday Coast.

Thomas’ main role will be to work with clubs in the region to strengthen player and coach development. He is currently completing a Masters Degree in Sports Coaching, has over 20 years of teaching experience and extensive football experience as a professional player in the UK, as well as being a leading youth coach at a number of clubs and schools throughout Queensland.

The second addition to the Football Queensland team is Daniel Khoury, who has been appointed as Manager – Whitsunday Coast.

Khoury will work closely with Whitsunday Coast clubs to support the growth and development of the game, whilst overseeing the day-to-day football operations in the region. He has experience in operational logistics and customer service, as well as being the former Operations Manager at Brisbane City FC.

FQ Northern Region General Manager, Declan Carnes:

“On behalf of Football Queensland, I’m delighted to welcome Daniel and Darren to the team in what is a major boost for football throughout the Whitsunday Coast region,” he said,

“Both Daniel and Darren bring valuable experience, passion and knowledge of the game and are excited to get started in the coming days as we work to deliver an increased level of support for participants and clubs on the Whitsunday Coast.

“Based in Mackay, their appointment will complement the work of the existing team members across the Northern regions, including Football Australia/AFC Pro License holder and coach educator Michael Edwards who joined Football Queensland in January of last year to strengthen player, coach and club development.”

Both new team members will commence their duties with Football Queensland in the coming days.

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Isabella Mossin awarded Ninja A-League Women Referee of the Year

Patrick Irving14/05/2026 5:55 am13/05/2026

Image credit: Football NSW

The youngest recipient since its inception, Mossin will officially receive the award after leading the Ninja A-League Grand Final 2026 on Saturday.

A rapid rise

After debuting in 2023, Mossin has quickly proved quality, composure and confidence as a referee in the Ninja A-League.

As a result of the achievement, Mossin will be the appointed referee for this weekend’s Grand Final between Melbourne City FC and Wellington Phoenix.

After beginning in the North West Sydney Football Association, Mossin then honed her craft with the Football NSW Referee Academy, a journey with foundations truly embedded in youth development and grassroots football.

Thus, Mossin is not just am individual success story, but a symbol of what institutional investment and opportunities can do for young women looking for a pathway to the game.

Celebrating success

The plaudits, unsurprisngly, are arriving from across Australia’s football landscape, with many emphasising the incredible standards set by Mossin since her debut just three years ago.

“This award is testament to Isabella’s hard work and dedication to refereeing, and a great reflection of the next generation of referees coming through the system in Australia,” said A-Leagues CEO, Steve Rosich.

“At just 25 years of age, she has consistently demonstrated composure, leadership, strong decision-making and the ability to perform under pressure in some of the biggest matches in the competition,” highlighted Football Australia Head of Referees, Jon Moss.

“Having someone refereeing their first Ninja A-league Women’s Grand Final at the age of 25 years should inspire all girls and young women referees (and potential referees) and show them that age is not a barrier to talent being recognised within Football Australia refereeing,” said Chair of Football Australia Referee Committee, David Elleray.

Given Mossin’s reputation and experience already at the top level of women’s football in Australia, there is no doubt that she will rise to the occasion this Saturday.

Female Football Week kicks off across Northern NSW

Declan Chan12/05/2026 6:05 am11/05/2026

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Female Football Week has officially begun across Northern NSW, with a program of gala days, networking events and awards ceremonies running until Sunday May 17, marking a ten-day celebration that organisers say reflects both the growth of women’s football in the region and the work still required to sustain it.

The national initiative, now a fixture on the football calendar, provides a dedicated period of visibility for female participants across all levels of the game from players, coaches, referees to volunteers, whose contributions have historically received less recognition than their male counterparts.

NNSWF Participation and Women’s Football Officer Serena Carter said the week offered something for everyone connected to women’s football in the region.

“Female Football Week provides a fantastic chance to highlight the dedication and skill of female players, coaches, referees and volunteers across the northern NSW community,” Carter said. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from grassroots participants to elite competitors.”

Women’s football in northern NSW spans remote and regional communities where clubs operate on limited resources, alongside more established metropolitan programs with clearer development pathways. Female Football Week creates a moment of shared recognition across that spectrum and acknowledges the role volunteers play, from running the canteen to progressing through the pathway.

Northern NSW Football has recorded some of its strongest participation numbers in women’s and girls’ football in recent seasons, a trend that has placed increasing pressure on clubs and facilities to keep pace. The week’s events offer clubs an opportunity to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion at a time when that commitment is being tested by growth.