FNQ Football finds an upside in coronavirus shutdown
COVID-19 has put an indefinite hold on local sport but the pandemic-forced stoppage has given officials at one sport time to take stock and chart a clearer path forward.
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COVID-19 has put an indefinite hold on local football but the pandemic-forced stoppage has given officials time to take stock and chart a clearer path forward.
FNQ Football is in the midst of a restructure, with Far North clubs absorbed into the newly defined Football Queensland North.
Described as a merger between the controlling bodies in Cairns and Townsville, the announcement of the change came just weeks before the coronavirus hit our shores and pressed pause on what was our regular society.
Changes to North Queensland Football’s constitution were approved at a recent special general meeting, increasing the board size to nine to allow for two representatives from the FNQ zone.
Those members are yet to be appointed, but discussions will begin after the Easter break.
While the lack of on-field action isn’t ideal for those who love their sports, the break has given FNQ Football administrator Alex Srhoj and club bosses time to assess how the competition, and the clubs themselves, are run.
“We definitely have a bit more time up our sleeves, so we’re doing a lot of work looking at the management of Endeavour Park and a few other things,” Srhoj said.
“I didn’t really get too much time (when first appointed) to work through all of this stuff, so it’s given me a chance to see how the operation runs.
“That’s in playing, coaching, referees – it’s a chance to look at everything and have the time to identify ways they can be improved.”
Srhoj said communication and transparency between FNQ Football, the FQN board and the clubs had been identified as two areas needing the most attention in the short term. Discussions about the 2020 season have barely got off the ground.
There are some drafts and discussions about how the season may look, but at this stage of football’s suspension – and the unknown future of the spread of coronavirus – it is impossible to plan with certainty.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, with some staff members stood down. They were part of FQ’s decision to stand down 75 per cent of staff at the start of the month.
Originally published as FNQ Football finds an upside in coronavirus shutdown