Football Queensland has confirmed the appointment of James Sangma as Club Development Ambassador (Far North & Gulf), supporting clubs across the region to strengthen technical delivery, game development and long-term sustainability.
Sangma officially steps into the role following a period as the region’s Interim Club Development Ambassador and brings valuable experience from his time within FQ’s Game Development team, where he worked directly with clubs and participants across coaching, participation programs and community engagement initiatives.
“My main goal is to continue building strong relationships with our clubs and community, ensuring they feel genuinely supported and empowered by having a reliable and visible presence in the region, someone they can turn to for guidance, support and collaboration,” Sangma said.
“My time in the Game Development team has been invaluable. It allowed me to build strong connections with the dedicated local volunteers, coaches, parents, and players who are the heart of football in this region. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the unique geographical challenges we face, but also the incredible community spirit that truly sets this region apart.”
In his new role, Sangma will support the growth of club capability and coaching development across the region, with a focus on improving access to education and strengthening alignment with the FQ Academy pathway to deliver more consistent, long-term outcomes for players, coaches and clubs.
“My vision is to see clubs across the Far North thrive. I want to see strong, confident coaches developing quality players, and clubs embracing the FQ Academy development pathway to build long-term sustainability from grassroots through to senior football,” Sangma added.
“Cairns and the surrounding areas of the region are filled with genuine, community-minded people doing incredible things. That spirit is what excites me most. There is so much potential here, and I feel privileged to play a role in unlocking it, helping clubs grow, coaches feel supported, and players reach their goals.”
FQ General Manager – Northern Region Craig Ramage welcomed the appointment, recognising James’ deep connection to the region and his ability to drive tangible outcomes for local clubs.
“We’re excited for James as he steps into this key role, and we’re confident his deep understanding of the Far North and Gulf football landscape, along with his hands-on experience working directly with clubs and participants, will be invaluable in helping us continue to strengthen clubs and grow the game across the region.”