Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce further investment into improving player, coach and club development in North Queensland with the appointment of highly experienced coach educator Michael Edwards as the Senior Manager Technical – Northern Club Development, Talent and Coaching.
Edwards, who holds an FFA/AFC Pro Diploma, most recently worked as Football Tasmania’s Technical Director and has also been involved with the Westfield Matildas, Melbourne Victory’s Westfield W-League side, the Tasmanian Institute of Sport and in Vietnam’s football system.
“Having recently secured a Regional High Performance Centre for young footballers in North Queensland, this is another significant and positive development for clubs and participants in the region and across North Queensland. Perfectly aligned to our Strategic Plan, this is another demonstration of FQ delivering on its commitments to strengthen talent pathways and deliver greater support for community clubs,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.
“Michael will set the bar for coach education opportunities, growing the number of local quality coaches through the extensive delivery of community and advanced coaching courses across the region and utilising his experience from working at high levels of the game in Australia and abroad.
“I am pleased to welcome Michael to the role as FQ continues to invest in football at all levels right across Queensland.”
Edwards added: “I am very excited to be able to take up this opportunity to work with the football community in North Queensland.
“During a recent visit, I met a number of people from the football communities in Townsville and Cairns and it is clear that they are very passionate about the game and eager to explore ways to improve opportunities for the progression of players, coaches and clubs in the region.
“I am looking forward to working with all levels of the game.”
FQ North General Manager Declan Carnes said Edwards would oversee the region’s Talent Support Program (TSP), Football Australia’s approved pathway and training program for young players which provides access to the state-of-the-art Cowboys Community, Training and High Performance Centre.
“Michael is a terrific addition to the football community in North Queensland,” Carnes said.
“His vast knowledge and experience as a coach, coach developer and physical education specialist in the Tasmanian school system unlocks great opportunities for our players, coaches and clubs.
“Michael will have a big influence on elevating football in North Queensland and I am pleased to welcome him to the region.”
