Academy kicks off

WELL-KNOWN Mareeba soccer coach Alex Srhoj has developed AVS Football Academy to help offer kids on the Tablelands opportunities and development programs in their own backyard. Srhoj has had a ball at his feet since he could walk, played for the Mareeba Bulls, and moved into coaching in 2004. Since then Srhoj has found his calling – helping to foster development opportunities. It has now driven him to create the AVS Football Academy. The development program for 8, 9 and 10-year-old boys and girls, plus 11/12 and 13 to 15-year-old boys and girls is designed to further develop the individual player’s skill and overall football ability. For more information, contact Alex Srhoj on 0403 343 692 or email admin@avsfa.com.au

Mareeba juniors party

MAREEBA Junior Rugby League has celebrated the end of a strong season with its presentation day. Players from the under-6s to the under-17s were recognised for their efforts playing in the Cairns District Junior Rugby League. Club president Darrin Hastie said all players, supporters and volunteers put in a big effort this season. “It was a really good year. Great effort to have all of our competition age groups in the semis,” Hastie said. “The under-13s made it into the grand finals; however (they) got knocked out by Cairns Kangaroos.”

Uni backs Taipans

THE Cairns Taipans yesterday announced they had signed on for another five years with CQUniversity as the major partner of the Far North Queensland club. “It gives me great pride to announce that CQUniversity will continue on as the naming rights sponsor of the Cairns Taipans for a further five years,” CQUniversity vice-chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said. Taipans chief executive Mark Beecroft welcomed the re-signing. “The partnership between the Taipans and CQUniversity is one that has progressed and grown over the years, and this new fiveyear extension is a testament to that development. It is a connection that the public now acknowledge as part of the Taipans brand,” he said.