Fraser Coast cements itself as regional Qld football hub

The Fraser Coast will cement itself as a premier regional Queensland football hub with confirmation the Brisbane Roar’s A-League team will hold a community camp and trial game in the region each year for the next three years.

Mayor George Seymour said Council had agreed to a $30,000-a-year three-year sponsorship deal with the Brisbane Roar on the back of a successful visit in 2019 and the recent establishment of a Roar training academy at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct.

“The 2019 event was fantastic for the region giving youngsters access to top-of-the-line coaching and mentoring from the Roar, building the profile of regional football and shining a spotlight on the fantastic facilities at the Fraser Coast Sport and Recreation Precinct,” Cr Seymour said.

“More than 3,000 people watched an exhibition match between the Roar and a Wide Bay side at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct.

“On the day, 12 local football clubs showcased their talents in pre-match competitions.

“The Roar also visited Maryborough State High School where 300 young players had the opportunity to engage with Brisbane Roar players, while the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted a team dinner which raised funds for Football Hervey Bay.

“This new agreement also follows the establishment of the Brisbane Roar Centre of Excellence at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct earlier this year to provide a development pathway for talented young footballers in an area stretching from Gympie to Mackay.”

Cr Daniel Sanderson said the annual Brisbane Roar community camp and trial game will help regional players develop their skills.

“Attracting state and national teams and fixtures to the Fraser Coast helps develop the skills of locals through coaching clinics, mentoring programs, participation in exhibition matches and just being able to watch games involving elite athletes,” he said.

“As part of this agreement, Football Hervey Bay, Football Maryborough and Football Wide Bay will develop a program for local Division 1 players to be chosen in the Wide Bay Select team to play the Brisbane Roar at the annual trial game.

“There is also an opportunity for sporting clubs to attract members and increase community participation in sport.