Football Queensland Chief Executive Officer Geoff Foster has thanked outgoing State Technical Director David Abela for his tireless work to the sport in the state.

Mr Abela has resigned from his post with the state body to take up an opportunity as Head of Coaching Education Unit for Football Association Malaysia. 

He worked for Football Queensland across two stints from 2000-07 and 2009-18.

His roles included Queensland Academy of Sport Regional Head Coach and High Performance Director, before taking the reigns as State Technical Director.

Mr Foster said Mr Abela has given a great deal of himself to football in Queensland and thanked him for his long service.

“David is a tireless football person who has contributed greatly to the sport and to Football Queensland,” Mr Foster said.

“His expertise have laid a tremendous groundwork for players and coaches in this state and he leaves us in a great position to continue this momentum.”

Mr Abela, who will now be based in Kuala Lumpur full time, listed the implementation of the National Premier League as the significant milestone for the game in the state.

“The biggest step was five years ago when we introduced the NPL,” he said.

“Now we need to build from where we are and increase the number of clubs and players in the pathway, and that’s coming.”

He began playing football seriously at the age of 15 and now, at the age of 60, leaves a legacy in search of building a new one.

“It’s an exciting time in Queensland, going forward, the clubs have got a lot of responsibility in the game in the state,” Mr Abela said.

“Everyone needs to work together to push the game forward in the state.”

Mr Abela said his new role is aimed at increasing coaching accreditation for Malaysian coaches and to build a new pathway of their own.

In a letter to his colleagues, Mr Abela said thanks.

“I’d like to thank FQ for the opportunities that I was given and I’d like to thank all the coaches in the state who are involved in the NPL, NPLW and FQPL for the time and effort they are putting in to build the pathway.

“Working in a State Federation office is not an easy task, as a team you all go out of your way to assist, with the only intention to get the best outcome for the situation.

“You all try your best to grow the game and positively contribute to the sport.

“Thank you for everything.”

Mr Abela will leave his position with Football Queensland on January 31, and the recruitment process for a replacement will commence in the coming weeks.