Merger ‘brings progress’
FOOTBALL Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci has declared the recent merge of the sport’s governing bodies is a good thing for Townsville players.
Cavallucci said it would be “business as usual” for clubs in the region after the Football NQ and Football FNQ merge.
“Their day to day interface with football will change for the better because of the relationship being built,” Cavallucci said.
“The progress being made and services being provided will ultimately deliver better outcomes for Townsville.
“There’s not going to be a difference for the under-9 playing on a Saturday. Young boys and girls out there playing care about how they can have fun with their friends and they can continue to do that.”
Cavallucci said Football Queensland had a strategic plan for the region which included increased participation, better facilities, more coaches and referees.
“We want more kids playing and to have facilities appropriate for them so kids from the north have a better shot at the football pathway if they choose,” he said.
“There’s great administration up there and a great independent board. They’re two crucial things you need to be successful.”
Cavallucci said the decision to merge had only been cemented in recent weeks after
Football Queensland had a “deeper dive” into some of the challenges faced by clubs.
He said a key reason for the merge was to “unpick” a decision in 2017 by Football Far North Queensland which left clubs feeling ostracised from decision making.
“There’s been decisions made over the course of the sport, some have been good while others have been missteps,’ he said.
“It was a decision that happened three years ago for whatever reason. Why things happened in the past is less important than what we can do now.
“The game changes every day so the governance, administration and competitions have to change with it.
“So a decision made three years ago is probably not appropriate today.”
Cavallucci said the merge came down to ensuring clubs and players in the north of the state weren’t left behind.
“After looking at it logically we had to decide how to deliver Cairns clubs the same opportunity as others in Queensland,” he said.
“We want to prepare them for the challenges they face today and for where we’re taking the game tomorrow.”
“THERE’S BEEN DECISIONS MADE OVER THE COURSE OF THE SPORT, SOME HAVE BEEN GOOD WHILE OTHERS HAVE BEEN MISSTEPS
ROBERT CAVALLUCCI