Football Queensland’s Far North and Gulf region has recorded unprecedented development figures throughout 2024, transforming the regional football landscape.
Football Queensland has stated that coaching participation has soared by 800%, while available courses have also increased to 400%, heralding a new era for football development in Queensland’s northern corridor.
The introduction of female-only coaching courses has proved pivotal. With 29 participants, Football Queensland has marked a significant advancement towards its 2027 gender parity target and built on the growing appeal of female coaching in the region.
Football Queensland General Manager and State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer noted the significance of these developments.
“Delivering courses specifically designed for female participants forms part of FQ’s broader commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as outlined in our 2023-2026 One Football Strategy, as we continue striving to reach our 50/50 gender parity target by 2027 by supporting and catering for women and girls across all roles in football,” he said via press release.
“These figures demonstrate our organisation’s commitment to grassroots development. The response has exceeded all expectations.
The expansion of coach education remains paramount for Football Queensland’s Far North and Gulf region, with local capacity building central to its strategy. The development of both players and coaches ensures clear pathways within the FQ Academy for local talent to progress to state and national representation.
Football Australia’s revised course structures have enhanced the relevance of coaching education for community practitioners across the region. These modifications provide coaches with refined tools and methodologies to better support grassroots player development.
The organisation’s commitment to excellence will extend into 2025 with the planned introduction of the AFC/FQ B Diploma, further strengthening the region’s coaching pathway.
FQ Senior Manager – Technical (Northern Conference) Michael Edwards emphasised the strategic importance of this data.
“The growth of the FNG region’s football ecosystem in 2024 is also reflected in the rising commitment of local clubs to invest in their professional development, with Cairns-based Southside Comets FC making history by becoming one of the first four regional clubs to achieve Tier 2 club development status,” he said via press release.
“This milestone reflects a strong commitment to not only improving coaching practices but also expanding their club’s access to the FQ Academy pathway.”
These achievements align with Football Queensland’s 2023-2026 One Football Strategy, establishing clear pathways through the FQ Academy for emerging talent.
As Football Queensland moves into 2025, these developmental foundations are a positive first step to further advance regional football throughout the Far North and Gulf region.
