Fraser Coast to host Brisbane Roar training academy

The Brisbane Roar will establish a ‘Regional Centre of Excellence’ on the Fraser Coast in a major coup that is set to bring up to 6500 people a year to the region and inject $1.5 million into the local economy.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Council would partner with the Brisbane Roar and Football Queensland to establish the centre at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct.

“The Brisbane Roar Centre of Excellence will provide a development pathway for talented young footballers in an area stretching from Gympie to Mackay,” he said.

“It could mean up to seven events a year on the Fraser Coast including three training clinics for nine  to 12 year olds, three talent identification camps for 13 to 16 year olds, and an Under 18 Youth League game.

“This will be a massive boost for the Fraser Coast with these events expected to collectively inject $1.5 million into the local economy and attract up to 6500 people to the region, including players, spectators, family and friends.

“It will help cement the Fraser Coast as a hub for regional Queensland football and highlights the benefits of establishing a sports precinct with high quality fields and facilities.”

Brisbane Roar CEO David Pourre said the Brisbane Roar had demonstrated a strong commitment to the Fraser Coast in recent years and was delighted to be establishing the Centre of Excellence at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct.

“Brisbane Roar is Queensland’s only A-League club and has proven itself an established pathway between Queensland’s junior football and the Hyundai A-League,” he said.

“Our Talent Support Programs provide young players with access to a quality training environment which complements their club training and helps them to reach their full potential.

“The first event we will be holding is a free school holiday clinic at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct on Saturday 11 July.

“We are also looking to hold a Youth League fixture at the Sports Precinct to align with one of the talent identification camps, which will give young players the chance to see elite footballers in action on their own patch.”

The establishment of the Brisbane Roar Centre of Excellence follows last year’s four-day camp on the Fraser Coast, which culminated in a special pre-season game between the Roar and a Wide Bay Select team on Saturday 21 September 2019.

Depending on what coronavirus restrictions are in place at the time, further training clinics could be held later this year, with a Youth League game potentially scheduled for December.