Geoff Foster tribute

Family and friends have given an emotional farewell to Sunshine Coast and Queensland football stalwart Geoff Foster following his passing in hospital. Read their tributes.

The Sunshine Coast and wider Queensland sporting community has paid tribute to football stalwart Geoff Foster after he passed away in hospital on August 16, 2022.

Mr Foster, who died at the age of 67, had been involved in football on the Sunshine Coast for more than 25 years as the president of the Maroochydore Football Club, the Sunshine Coast zone and Football Queensland before being named its chief executive officer in 2007.

His son David Foster said his dad spent his final hours in hospital with his family by his side.

“Dad worked as an accountant and met his wife Chris in Victoria, where they were married in 1979 before having four children - David, Michael, Carolyn and Steven - and nine grandchildren,” he said.

After the family relocated to the Sunshine Coast in 1988, David said his dad quickly became involved with the Maroochydore Football Club.

“His involvement with the club grew from being a parent and coach, to club president in 1993, while also being involved in the Sunshine Coast soccer federation,” David said.

“These positions were voluntary, so he also worked in Brisbane managing his own business, and would regularly travel up and down the Bruce Highway juggling work, soccer and family commitments.

Joe Fenech and Geoff Foster at a press conference for CQ soccer. Photo Allan Reinikka

After being named chief executive of Football Queensland, David said that Mr Foster sold the family business to further commit to his role.

“Dad genuinely loved the game and making it such that all could enjoy it at all levels,” he said.

“He had intentions to leave the game better than it was when he joined and he would treat any and all with the same level of respect, from volunteers in rural communities to executives in Football Federation Australia, giving his time freely to any who was up for a chat.

“His favourite quote was ‘enjoy your involvement regardless of the challenges you may face’.”

Football Queensland CEO Geoff Foster meets with North Queensland Fury boss Rabieh Krayem.

Mr Foster said that his time with his family, especially his grandchildren, was when he was the happiest.

“Dad was an honourable, hardworking, fair and kind person,” he said.

“As a father, he was always loving, supportive, welcoming and generous with advice without ever making you feel like he was telling you what to do.

“He loved a red wine; to sit and talk; to watch Texas Walker and Scorpion; to feed the magpies that visited his backyard, and loved to listen to stories from his grandkids and admire their artwork that adored many a wall in the family home.

“He was renowned for his smile, laugh and warm hugs.”