ROAR OF APPROVAL FOR SOCCER TYROS

FORMER A- League North Queensland Fury player Gareth Edds says the sky is the limit for local football players after establishing a youth academy partnership with the Brisbane Roar.

The Brisbane Roar have entered into a partnership with the Gareth Edds Soccer Academy that is set to officially begin in January, but recruitment is already under way.

Edds will act as a North Queensland regional recruitment officer for the Roar, who remain the only A- League club in Queensland.

Edds played 26 A- League games for the Fury and also enjoyed a decorated English career, playing for clubs including Nottingham Forest, Swindon Town and Milton Keynes Dons.

“It’s massive to have the only professional football club in Queensland creating a program here,” Edds said.

“For them to ask myself to run it, and be involved in it, is a major thing for me and I’m really excited.

“I’ve been in Townsville for seven years and there’s been other pathways – which is great – but to have a pathway to a professional football club is a huge thing.

“That’s a major bonus for boys and girls in this region because we want to create pathways for our kids.

“We’re going through the trial process now and getting things organised, and when that all happens and the kids are wearing their new shirts it will be a big thing.”

The Roar have played in all seasons of the A- League since the competition’s inaugural year in 2005 and have won two premierships.

They are the last remaining Queensland A- League side following the dissolution of the NQ Fury at the end of the 2011- 12 season, and Gold Coast United soon after.

The new Townsville- based Roar academy will develop players between the ages of 12 and 16, with the Roar then selecting players to enter its Brisbane Roar Academy. There will also be an academy preparation centre for children between five and 11 years of age.

Visit brfctownsville. com. au to contact the Gareth Edds Soccer Academy.