
Football Queensland has announced the appointment of James Sangma as the Club Development Ambassador for Far North and the Gulf, where he’ll be working with local clubs to enhance technical standards, support game growth, and promote long-term sustainability.
He takes on the position after serving as the interim ambassador for the region and brings a wealth of experience from his previous role within FQ’s Game Development team, where he worked hands-on with clubs and participants across coaching, participation programs, and community engagement.
Sangma expressed his focus on strengthening connections and being a dependable presence for local clubs as he steps into his new role as Club Development Ambassador for Far North and the Gulf.
“My main goal is to continue building strong relationships with our clubs and community, ensuring they feel genuinely supported and empowered by having a reliable and visible presence in the region, someone they can turn to for guidance, support and collaboration,” he said via press release.
“My time in the Game Development team has been invaluable. It allowed me to build strong connections with the dedicated local volunteers, coaches, parents, and players who are the heart of football in this region. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the unique geographical challenges we face, but also the incredible community spirit that truly sets this region apart.”
In his new position, Sangma will focus on building club capability and advancing coaching development throughout the region. His priorities include improving access to education and strengthening alignment with the FQ Academy pathway with the goal of delivering more consistent and sustainable outcomes for players, coaches, and clubs.
“My vision is to see clubs across the Far North thrive. I want to see strong, confident coaches developing quality players, and clubs embracing the FQ Academy development pathway to build long-term sustainability from grassroots through to senior football,” he said via press release.
“Cairns and the surrounding areas of the region are filled with genuine, community-minded people doing incredible things. That spirit is what excites me most. There is so much potential here, and I feel privileged to play a role in unlocking it, helping clubs grow, coaches feel supported, and players reach their goals.”
FQ General Manager – Northern Region, Craige Ramage, welcomed the appointment, highlighting James’ strong ties to the region and his proven ability to deliver meaningful results for local clubs.
“We’re excited for James as he steps into this key role, and we’re confident his deep understanding of the Far North and Gulf football landscape, along with his hands-on experience working directly with clubs and participants, will be invaluable in helping us continue to strengthen clubs and grow the game across the region,” he said via press release.
Sangma’s appointment marks a significant step forward in Football Queensland’s commitment to empowering regional communities and ensuring the continued growth and success of the game throughout Far North and the Gulf.