Roar builds regional football ties

The “beautiful game” is set to receive a massive boost with the Brisbane Roar strengthening their ties with Toowoomba.

FOOTBALL : The "beautiful game" is set to receive a massive boost with the Brisbane Roar strengthening their ties with Toowoomba.

The Roar were in the Garden City earlier this week to announce new partnerships with Highfields FC and Toowoomba Anglican School.

The A-League club will introduce a skills development program to TAS and has signed on to support the Highfields academy system.

"As Queensland's only A-League club, we want to strengthen our links with grassroots football and we see Toowoomba as an ideal place to start," Moon said.

"We want to help identify young footballers and play a part in developing their skills.

"It's not just about finding the next Daniel Bowles or football superstar, though.

"We want to help young players gain the skills the skills needed to enjoy playing football at any level."

ROAR PRIDE: Toowoomba Anglican School students Hayden Johnston and Olivia McNicol talk football with Brisbane Roar Academy general manager Warren Moon. Picture: Kevin Farmer

With the school gaining access to elite coaches, TAS head of sport Steven Roberts believes the future of football in the region looks bright.

"It's a great opportunity, not just for TAS, but for football in the region as a whole," he said.

"We've been slowly building TAS United and with the support of the Roar and access to elite coaches that will be able to continue."

Having watched his club's academy go from strength to strength, Highfields FC coaching co-ordinator Stef Hlaca is excited about the potential the Roar connection has.

"We have been working very hard over the past few years to develop our academy," Hlaca said.

"To be recognised by the Roar is hugely satisfying, we have already seen some great results from our academy, and now we have access to a greater organisation which is fantastic.

"The important thing about all this, though, is that it's not just about the Roar.

"It's about building pathways and creating opportunities.

"Only one or two per cent of players are going to play the game at the elite level.

"What we're trying to do is produce a better quality. A better quality players who might stay with local club or progress to the NPL.

"It's looking at football holistically and strengthening it right across the board."

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