Sport
24 February, 2024
Swapping UK for tropics
AWARD-WINNING coach, experienced player and coach developer Jack Southwell has big plans for football in the region, including building a stronger football community, club development as the newly-appointed club development ambassador for Football Queensland Far North and Gulf.
Trading the UK for the tropical heat of Cairns, football all-rounder Jack Southwell is the latest addition to Football Queensland Far North and Gulf and, with his vast experience as coach and coach developer with Manchester United Foundation and Wrexham AFC Community Trust, he’s bringing fresh ideas for the region.
“My key goals are supporting club development on and off the football bench, develop coaches through coach education and mentoring and build the Football Queensland academy into a northern high-performance centre for players,” Mr Southwell said.
“I’m excited to take on this role and support Football Queensland’s vision and being the person tasked to implement this and play a part in the growth of football in the region motivates me because I want to leave a legacy within the community, long after I retire.”
Mr Southwell said this was an ideal role for him and he was looking forward to connecting with the community.
“The role ties everything I am passionate about into one. I am very motivated to work from within the community and build lasting relationships with the clubs, the players and the coaches,” he said.
“I can use my experience in supporting the clubs, bringing a holistic perspective, not just with my experience in coaching, but also the motivation and passion to succeed in working with the football community to overcome barriers and challenges.
“I want to make sure the clubs are healthy, strong and growing, because strong clubs within the region leads to strong football.
“The next key focus would be developing, mentoring and upskilling the coaches to help improve the standard of football in the area.”
With the past Women’s World Cup and upcoming Olympics, Mr Southwell said the time was right to build a passion for the sport in the region.
“We’re in a quite unique position to build on the success of the Women’s World Cup and grow even to a further scale if we can build on the Olympics 2032, so there are growth opportunities and it’s a very exciting time to be involved with football in the region,” he said.
“Football Queensland is inclusive and there’s something for all genders, abilities and ages so I encourage everyone in the community to come along and get involved.”
For more information, visit www.footballqueensland.com.au
