Football Queensland (FQ)’s week-long FFA/AFC Senior C Licence coaching course in Cairns proved a hit with educators and participants alike as 29 coaches from Far North Queensland and beyond converged on Endeavour Park.

FQ’s Lead Club Development Ambassador (Coaching) Davide Bertamini joined coach developer Martin Docherty in delivering the advanced course over a seven-day period, continuing FQ’s commitment to improving coach development opportunities around the state.

“I would say it’s one of the best courses I’ve ever run,” Bertamini said.

“Everyone was really open to learn, very engaged, committed. There were 29 coaches attending the course and in seven days no one arrived late. That was something remarkable.

“I think it was run in a very professional way. It was very good to work with Martin Docherty. The standard we provided was excellent.

“I’m very proud to be honest and I’m looking forward to going back into regional areas next year.”

Bertamini said he hopes to return to Far North Queensland in 2021 to deliver a Youth C Licence course and looks forward to providing further advanced coach development opportunities in other regions across Queensland.

“They are really hungry to do more and more and more,” he added. “We are also planning to go into Central Queensland. It’s one of our priorities.”

FNQ Football administrator Alex Srhoj praised the course and the ongoing impact it will have for coaches, clubs and players.

“It was a great seven days,” Srhoj said. “As the week went on, you could see the coaches becoming more confident.

“I think it’s great for the coaches in regional areas to have access to coaching development like this and I think it’s even better that coaches from other areas are coming in to join us.

“Out of the coaches there, there was probably 50 per cent from Far North Queensland and 50 per cent from outside Far North Queensland.

“You’ve got coaches from different backgrounds, different areas, facing different issues and they can all come together to try to find solutions. I think it was absolutely fantastic. I’ve already got clubs and coaches asking for another one next year.

“The flow-on effect from the course will not only show at club level, but the excitement and the positivity from the course will get more involved next time.”