Chairman to open up

FNQ Heat’s new chairman Peppi Iovannella has promised to work with local clubs as part of the next chapter for football in Cairns.

The managing director of Iovannella Group, incorporating several tourism operators, was unveiled as chairman yesterday alongside Halpin Partners managing director Darren Halpin, fellow director Shaun Donaldson and Cairns councillor Max O’Halloran.

The Heat will run a senior team alongside under-13, under-14, under-16 and under-20 boys squads.

Football Queensland has mandated these teams will play in the FNQ Football competition. Girls academy squads are not yet part of the licence deal, which has been secured.

Iovannella (pictured) said the board would work with clubs. “We want to meet all the presidents and our endeavour is to work with them and not against them and whatever their wishes are, we’re happy to meet them and ultimately ... provide the pathway for kids,” he said.