The FQ Academy QAS program is continuing to provide a pathway not only for the state’s young players but also for coaches, with FQ Academy QAS Director and Head Coach Adam Pengelly recently appointed by Football Australia as the coach of Queensland’s Future Matildas program.
Former youth international and professional player Isaka Cernak will lead the FQ Academy QAS program moving forward in his new role as Manager – FQ Academy QAS, while Liz Doherty has been appointed Head Coach of the NPL Women’s side.
“We’re delighted to welcome Isaka Cernak to the Football Queensland team in a full-time capacity following his fantastic work within the FQ Academy QAS program as Head of Individual Player Development,” FQ General Manager – Football and State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer said.
“Since beginning his coaching career, Isaka has demonstrated a strong interest and success in female athlete development and was recently invited to work with players at a national team level with the CommBank Young Matildas.
“Isaka will continue to focus on maximising individual players’ potential within the program as he steps into his new role of Manager – FQ Academy QAS.
“We’re also excited to confirm the appointment of long-term FQ Academy QAS coach Liz Doherty as Head Coach of the NPL Women side moving forward, becoming just the second female Head Coach in the league for 2023.
“After completing the AIS Elevate Coach Program, Liz was named 2022 Development Coach of the Year at the Football in Queensland Awards Night thanks to her work within the FQ Academy QAS program and will bring valuable experience to her new coaching role.
“Finally, I’d like to thank Adam Pengelly for his technical leadership and contribution to the development of players within the program over the last 12 months, during which time we’ve seen a number of our FQ Academy QAS players selected for various national teams.
“Adam will remain strongly connected to the FQ Academy QAS program in his new role as coach of the Future Matildas program here in Queensland, which will be complemented by his role as Assistant Coach of the U23 women’s national team, and we wish him all the best as he takes this next step.”
Six FQ Academy QAS players are currently in Canberra for a five-day CommBank Junior Matildas camp ahead of next month’s AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia 2024™ Qualifying Round 1.
