Dear Wide Bay Members,

The 2022 season has been one of immense challenges but also one of huge transformation and growth for the region, with our football community coming together to make significant positive change to the game.

From overcoming severe flooding to big successes on and off the pitch, 2022 has been a challenging yet prosperous year.

As we look back on the year there are many milestones, achievements and accolades to celebrate what has been a momentous 12 months showing just how much we have accomplished as a football community this season.

FQ Academy Success on the National Stage

It was a busy year for our FQ Academy players and coaches as Hervey Bay hosted a regional carnival with teams from Gladstone, Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast attending. A number of players from the FQ Academy Wide Bay were chosen to represent Queensland and Football Northern Territory at the National Youth Championships. Well done to Bowie Young (Football NT U14), Caitlin McAskill (QLD U16 White), Deia Raxach (QLD U16 White), Nathan Saffioti (Football NT U14), Riley McLeod (Football NT U14) and Xavier Ulbl (Football NT U14).

Participation Grows in the Region

The Wide Bay football community welcomed a significant number of new participants this season recording a 14% increase in player registrations, a 16% increase in women and girls, a 23% increase in coaches and 28 first year referees. Our local community engagement team were also busy throughout the year delivering school programs, MiniRoos Kick-Off and Holiday Clinics to 1,822 children.

State Award Nominees

The Wide Bay region had strong representation at the Football in Queensland Awards Night with three members of the football community nominated for awards. Well done again to Andrew Halpin, David Campbell and Phil Rimmer on being nominated for the state awards.

Wide Bay Making Waves in FQPL Champions League

In the first edition of the Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) Champions League Across the Waves put their best foot forward defeating Frenchville Football Club over two legs to progress to the Regional Final.

First Ever C Diploma Delivered in Wide Bay

For the first time in the Wide Bay region a C Diploma Course was held in Bundaberg with 28 coaches taking the next step on the advanced coaching pathway.

On behalf of the Football Queensland Wide Bay team I’d like to thank you for your unwavering support, patience and the energy you have committed to our game this season.

I’d especially like to thank all of the club volunteers for the countless hours you pour into the game and the changes you have implemented to ensure football continues to evolve and improve.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday and I look forward to welcoming you all back in 2023 for an exciting year of football as the FIFA Women’s World Cup arrives on our shores.

Andy Allan
General Manager – Central Coast Region
Football Queensland