FQ CQUniversity partnership: Enhancing football and education

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FQU CQUniversity
Image Credit: Football Queensland website

Football Queensland (FQ) and CQUniversity (CQU) have trumpeted a groundbreaking new partnership which will link the two organisations for the next three years.

As a part of the deal, CQU will become FQ’s Official University Partner and enjoy a pivotal role in delivering physiotherapy, chiropractic and podiatry education at carnivals and festivals, in player development sessions and to FQ Academy teams.

Additionally, FQ has opened placement spots specifically for CQU sports science students within the FQ Academy, providing students with firsthand experience in a professional sporting environment and delivering personalised supports to upcoming athletes.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci detailed how transformative the collaboration with CQU would be for FQ and its Academy.

“We are thrilled to partner with CQUniversity as we integrate cutting-edge education and research into our high-performance pathways, ensuring we remain dynamic in our approach and consistently implement new best practices that benefit all our participants,” he said in a press release.

“This partnership will provide FQ Academy and Queensland State Team players with access to expert physiotherapy, chiropractic, and podiatry services, while also offering CQU sports science students the opportunity to work closely with our emerging athletes, supporting training programs and player welfare, and gaining invaluable experience in an elite environment that contributes to the development of the next generation of sports science professionals.  

“We’re also excited to collaborate with CQU on future research projects aimed at advancing player development and injury prevention while opening up more opportunities for higher education pathways for FQ participants and members.”  

CQUniversity Director of Sport Strategy Professor Fabio Serpiello expressed the university’s enthusiasm for the partnership.

“CQU is proud that our unique sport science, rehabilitation and community sport expertise is supporting the important work and growth of Football Queensland, across high performance, grassroots engagement, and leadership development,” he said via press release.

Dean of the School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Professor Andy Stewart explained how CQU would be able to connect with all footballers across Queensland.

“Whether it’s city or region or remote town, everywhere CQU operates in Queensland, football is a key sport in that community,” Prof Stewart said in a press release. 

“CQU’s community-connected, inclusive approach is a perfect fit to meaningfully support the growth of accessible, empowering physical activity and competition, especially for girls and women, and people of all abilities.” 

For more information on CQUniversity, click HERE.

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Optus joins Football Queensland as Telco Partner in the North

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Image Credit: FQ Far North & Gulf Facebook

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed its collaboration with Optus, naming the leading telecommunication provider as its Official Telecommunications Partner across the Northern, Far North and Gulf regions.

The collaboration will see Optus play an active role in supporting grassroots football throughout the year-long partnership, with a visible presence at FQ precincts in both Cairns and Townsville. This will include branded signage and community-focused activations at key events, further enhancing the matchday experience for players, families, and fans.

FQ General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage, said the partnership will be a valuable boost for local communities and reflects FQ’s commitment to growing the game in regional areas.

“Football Queensland is excited to expand its long-standing relationship with Optus as we enter into a thriving partnership in the Northern and Far North & Gulf regions,” he said via press release.

“It is excellent to have a brand as prominent as Optus recognise the importance of grassroots football in regional areas.

“Optus’ year-long support will provide a crucial boost that directly benefits clubs and participants across the region, strengthening communities and actively contributing to FQ’s vision for the future of football.”

Optus General Manager North Queensland, Dave Morrissey, emphasised the importance of the North Queensland football community and Optus’ commitment to supporting the next generation as they develop into future stars of the game.

“It is our absolute pleasure to partner with Football Queensland’s Northern and Far North regions. It is great to get to watch the next generation of young players grow their skills and love for the game, and we appreciate all the support we get in return from the local community,” he said via press release.

Football communities attending events and matches at Paradise Park and Macca’s Park can expect to see Optus actively involved throughout the season, with a strong presence around the grounds that reflects the brand’s commitment to regional engagement and sporting development.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson to step down

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Image credit: Football Australia

Chief Executive Officer of Football Australia, James Johnson has advised the Board of his decision to resign.

Mr Johnson’s decision marks the end of his 5½-year term as CEO of the sport’s governing body, during which he, together with the Board, the Football Australia team, and the wider football community, led one of the most successful eras in Australian football history.

During his tenure, Mr Johnson steered Australian football through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the sport reach record participation levels. Under his leadership, Football Australia launched a 15-year strategic vision, achieved unprecedented revenue growth, implemented significant reforms such as Club Licensing Regulations and updates to the Player Transfer System, and revitalised the Australia Cup by linking it to Asia via the AFC Club Competitions.

Mr Johnson oversaw Football Australia’s successful bid for and hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, a globally acclaimed event that marked a cultural turning point for sport in Australia. During his time as CEO, Football Australia also secured hosting rights for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and elevated both the men’s and women’s national teams into prominent global sporting brands, each achieving their best-ever results at the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

In a reflection on his time at the helm, James Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Football Australia over the past 5½ years, highlighting the dedication and talent of the colleagues he worked with throughout his tenure.

“It has been a privilege to lead Football Australia for the past 5½ years, having had the pleasure to work alongside the most talented, committed and dedicated staff, executives and board members,” he said via press release.

“As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down.

“I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football.”

The Football Australia Board has appointed current director and former Matilda, Heather Garriock, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

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