Football Queensland’s female programs boosted by new appointments

Football Queensland has taken excellent strides for the growth of football for the women’s game, with the additions of a former Matilda and an NPL Championship-winning coach. The two new roles have been created to oversee the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and Female High Performance programs.

Bryony Duus, who represented Australia at the 2000 Olympic Games and the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will take on the role as FQ/QAS High Performance Operations Officer.

David Da Silva, who led the QAS/Brisbane Roar team to the NPL Women’s Championship in 2019, has been appointed QAS Director of Football.

“Bryony and David are both proud Queenslanders who have come through the Football Queensland player and coaching pathway,” FQ State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer said.

“Bryony was part of the first intake of the QAS women’s football program in 1992, so she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which will no doubt benefit the next generation of female footballers.

“David is a highly regarded coach who helped identify and nurture A-League Women and national team players such as Jamilla Rankin, Indiah Paige-Riley, Holly McQueen, Anna Margraf and Hollie Palmer.

“As these players have demonstrated over the past three years, Football Queensland’s QAS program is an important pathway to A-League Women and national teams.

“I know David and Bryony are looking forward to working with Brisbane Roar Women’s Head Coach Garrath McPherson to ensure that the production line of Queensland talent continues.”

Football Queensland President Ben Richardson outlined Duus and Da Silva will play a critical role in developing the next generation of A-League Women and Matildas.

“Bryony and David are two of the best practitioners in Queensland with a deep understanding of the women’s game,” Richardson said.

“With the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, we are investing in the QAS program to give young Queensland players the best chance to represent their country.

“Over the past three decades, the QAS women’s football program has led the way for the rest of the country, developing one-third of the Matildas since 1992.

“The creation of these two new roles and recruitment of Bryony and David will ensure that the QAS remains the pinnacle women’s football program.”

Wellington Phoenix team up with Chinese outfit Tianjin Tiger

Wellington Phoenix have partnered with Chinese Super League team Tianjin Tiger to boost football growth in both nations.

As part of the Wellington Phoenix Tianjin Tiger Sister City Friendship, the clubs have agreed to hold an annual encounter between their men’s first teams.

The inaugural Wellington Phoenix F.C. vs. Tianjin Tiger F.C. Sister City Shield match is set to take place in Tianjin this September, with the second in Wellington next year.

The strategic collaboration was formed after Phoenix general manager David Dome visited Tianjin in September as part of a business delegation headed by Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau.

The club hosted a delegation from Tianjin, and the two sides signed the Memorandum of Understanding at the Mayor’s office.

Phoenix general manager David Dome was thrilled with the partnership going through.

“The mayoral delegation to China last year was invaluable and I’m thrilled about this partnership with Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, which will be of benefit to the club on multiple levels,” he said via press release.

“Not only will the men get to play a Chinese Super League side as part of their A-League pre-season each year, but the academy will soon benefit from an influx of footballers from Tianjin.

“We’re looking to grow our academy to have an international component and Tianjin Jinmen have committed to sending some young players to Wellington to attend training camps in July and we’re discussing the possibility of their juniors being part of a new international academy annual programme.

“International students are essential for the secondary and tertiary education sector in Wellington and we are evaluating how an elite international academy focused on football can be part of New Zealand’s international education offering.”

Wellington mayor Tory Whanau added that the city is excited about the opportunity. 

“I’d like to congratulate David Dome and the wider team for the work they’ve done on this MoU,” he stated via press release.

“I’m beyond stoked that the delegation last September has resulted in this MoU between the Wellington Phoenix and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger. 

“The development opportunities for both the clubs will be invaluable to not only football but also our cities.”

The Phoenix are enjoying a successful A-league campaign where they currently sit top of the table 18 games into the season.

Football Coaches Australia and XVenture collaborate with Football Victoria to elevate coaching development

Football Coaches Australia (FCA) and XVenture (XV) have forged a ground-breaking partnership with Football Victoria (FV) to enhance the calibre of football coaching in the region.

This collaboration aims to empower and bolster football coaches through a strategic alliance with FV’s Club Coach Coordinator (CCC) programs, available at various levels.

The FV CCC packages encompass Basic, Bronze, Silver, and gold levels, each offering unique benefits:

Basic Package: Clubs enrolled in FV’s Basic CCC program will receive online resources and content along with monthly check ins via email with their FV program manager supplemented by FCA XV Essential Skills content on Leadership and specialized guidance on supporting teenagers.

Gold Package: At the other end of the scale, Gold CCC package, FV provides monthly sessions plans from the online platform with 3 club visits from program manager throughout the season to work with the CCC and coaches at the club.  alongside the prevailing advantages. CCCs at this level will unlock three modules within the FCA XV Essential Skills Program. Moreover, nine coaches within the club will receive access to the Foundations of Essential Skills Module.

Gold CCC package holders will enjoy an extraordinary opportunity, granting their entire community access to an exclusive webinar featuring top EQ and mind coach, Mike Conway. Conway, renowned for his pivotal four-year coaching role contributing to Australia’s historic FIFA World Cup Campaign in Qatar 2022, brings unparalleled expertise.

FCA CEO, Kelly Rourke, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating:

“We’re thrilled to be able to work with Football Victoria as part of their innovative Club Coach Coordinator program, designed to provide coaches of any level access to a diverse range of resources and expertise. All for the improvement of the game.”

FCA President Gary Cole echoed Kelly’s sentiments:

“We are so pleased to partner with Football Victoria on this new Club Coach Coordinator program. Ongoing Coach Education is important and providing these wonderful online tools to help Clubs, Coordinators and Coaches is a great way to assist,” he said.

“FCA/XVenture College has helped almost 900 coaches from 20 countries with valuable ongoing growth and development opportunities and this relationship with Football Victoria is another fantastic initiative. Better Coaches, Better Players!”

Craig Moore, FV Coach Education Manager, emphasised the significance of this collaboration, remarking:

“I’m thrilled as this is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our CCC Program with two organisations that are setting the standards for coach support and development in this country and beyond. I can only see better times for our coaches in the future with this collaboration.”

For further information on Football Victoria’s CCC programs and to seize this unparalleled coaching advancement opportunity, kindly contact Football Victoria’s CCC program Manager Rob Taylor at Robert.Taylor@footballvictoria.com.au.

This alliance marks a pivotal stride in football coaching, empowering coaches to nurture their skills and lead with excellence.

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