TIME TO MOVE ON
IT hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but outgoing Northern Fury CEO Rabieh Krayem is confident he’s leaving the club in prime position to develop the region’s football talent.
Krayem will step down after five years at the helm as North Queensland Football prepares to take over the running of the Fury’s NPL licence from next season.
The Fury was formed in 2012 to participate in the state competition and provide a new pathway to the top level, so talented young players in Townsville weren’t forced to relocate.
The club is already reaping the rewards for its development focus including India Kubin, who is part of the Mini Matildas squad, along with A- League talents Braedyn Crowley and Matt Symes.
Krayem said he was immensely proud of what the Fury had achieved over the past five years, but he felt the time was right to move on.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve had enough, but it’s time to hand the banner to someone else,” Krayem said.
“I think there are opportunities for other people to contribute and, most importantly, I think the foundation has been laid in providing a professional level of coaching and facilities in Townsville.
“I walk away with my head high because where we were five years ago and where we are today is miles apart. We are the only regional licence that still continues and we’ve been able to maintain all levels despite the issues we’ve gone through.
“Braedyn Crowley and India Kubin are probably the two highlights that stand out because they’ve achieved the highest level through what we’ve delivered. Those opportunities would not have been there if we hadn’t had the NPL pathway here in the region.
“I think that’s a credit to everyone who’s been involved in the club, from the volunteer coaches to the players, to the parents and everyone else who’s put their hand up and given up their time.”
Krayem admitted there had been plenty of lows in his tenure as the Fury and local football clubs butted heads over the validity of the program.
The Fury endured a tumultuous period last year as the senior men failed to win a game, but Krayem stressed that people shouldn’t define the club’s success by one bad season for the NPL team.
“I think there’s been a lot of criticism about the success of it, but it has been very successful. One bad year for one team doesn’t define the club,” Krayem said.
“Last year was a disaster for the senior NPL side, but a huge success at the junior level with the number of players who have gone on to play representative football at regional, state and national level.
“There are nine teams in the club and it’ has created opportunities for kids who want to go to the next level. The foundations are very much there and we will see the fruits of that labour in coming years.”
Krayem said there were still challenges ahead for the new Fury board, but he believed the game would continue to thrive as long as Townsville’s football community presented a united front.
“I think the football community in this town has to decide, do they want football at an elite level, and if they do then they’ve all got to work together,” he said.
“Everyone has a place in football – the clubs, junior football, senior football, then you’ve got the NPL and hopefully in the coming years there’ll be a second tier national competition.
“The football community, and in particular NQ Football, has got some big decisions to make over the coming years otherwise we’ll miss these opportunities, but we’re in a prime position to maximise.
“If we can keep the best players here then I think it’s a bright future, but the football community has got to be united because if they’re not then football will go backwards.
“That’s the opportunity and the risk for the body who runs the game here.”