After four years of supporting the growth and development of football across the Far North & Gulf region, Alex Srhoj will formally step down from the position of Football Queensland Manager – Far North & Gulf (Cairns). 

Under his leadership and as an active member of the local football community for the past 20 years across multiple aspects, including his role at FQ, the Far North & Gulf region has witnessed a significant boost to its programs, competitions and engagement opportunities available for participants at all levels wanting to be involved with the game.  

“During his four years at Football Queensland in the role of Manager – Far North & Gulf, and his many years of service to the game prior, Alex’s unwavering dedication to developing and advancing our beautiful game in the Far North & Gulf region was evident through his accomplishments both on and off the pitch,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said. 

“His commitment and drive to further the growth of football will be greatly missed, however we understand and support Alex’s decision to focus on new opportunities to suit his growing family and look forward to seeing him remain involved in the game in a coaching capacity.  

“As we bid farewell to Alex, an exciting opportunity arises as Football Queensland begins the search for a new Manager – Far North & Gulf (Cairns).  We encourage applications from high-quality candidates within the region and across the broader Northern conference who are passionate about contributing to our beautiful game.” 

Alex’s time in the role produced many accomplishments and highlights, including the successful relaunch of the John Bomben Carnival in 2023 after a four-year hiatus and the introduction of an all-girls competition for female footballers aged from Under 11 to Under 15 that aligns with the Under 23s and FQPL teams. 

In 2019, Alex oversaw a visit from the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s side Sydney FC to Barlow Park in Cairns for a pre-season match against a Far North & Gulf select XI team, giving regional players the opportunity to compete against some of the nation’s best.  

Beyond his dedication to advancing the opportunities available to players on the pitch, Alex also prioritised strengthening the game’s off-field capabilities to sustain its rapid growth. This resulted in an increase of staffing numbers to meet demand, as well as the launch of more school programs aimed at giving all children across the region access to the game. 

Alex also played a pivotal role in guiding the Far North & Gulf community through the transformative period of the Future of Football 2020+ reforms, which restored financial stability to the local game and created stronger opportunities for local players through the introduction of the connected football pyramid. 

The development of advanced clubs in the region has also gone from strength to strength under Alex’s watch, with the most recent FQ Club Assessment update seeing two Far North & Gulf clubs successfully screened to join the statewide FQ Tier 2 assessment framework. This accomplishment reflects Alex’s dedication and efforts within the region, demonstrating the appetite and capability of regional clubs to advance the standard of football and coaching expertise. 

Among his many successes, Alex also led his team and the region through some challenges, with one of the most prominent periods being the Coronavirus pandemic, which significantly disrupted the football calendar and threatened the sport’s regional growth. Following the pandemic, Alex and his team’s commitment to the game and the Far North & Gulf community ensured a quick recovery and the continuity of pre-existing football programs. 

In the years since the pandemic, the region witnessed significant boosts from delivered infrastructure, funding, and commercial targets, along with year-on-year increases in participation and Grand Final attendances across every age group, highlighting the positive impact of Alex’s leadership and dedication to football development. 

All accomplishments aside, Alex said the biggest highlight of his time was the relationships built with the Far North & Gulf club members, presidents and coaches, as they worked together to give everyone in the region, from Mt Isa to Port Douglas, west to Dimbulah and north to Weipa, the opportunity to play the game we all love.   

“I will be forever grateful for the support from the football family over the past four years whilst at the helm. The smiles on the kids’ faces and their enjoyment of the game made all the hard work worth it,” Srhoj said.  

On behalf of Football Queensland, we would like to thank Alex for his dedication to football in Queensland and wish him all the best in the future.