To our dedicated Brisbane Roar FC members and fans,
I hope you enjoyed last weekend’s round against Central Coast Mariners. It was certainly a thrilling day that saw our women’s team draw and our men’s team deliver victory.
As you know, our club is on a journey to reshape and rebuild. During this period of change, people will have differing views and opinions, and that’s ok. To help bring you along on this journey with us, I remain committed to being transparent and honest. On that, I would like to share some updates with you.
THE DECISION TO CHANGE OUR A-LEAGUE WOMEN’S COACH
This week we announced a new coach for our A-League Women’s Team – Alex Smith – and announced the departure of Garrath McPherson.
There are a few reasons for this decision that I’d like to share with you.
First, the focus and expectations that myself, Zac and the club have directed toward our women’s team is higher than it’s ever been. We truly believe that this is a team of exceptional players who have the ability to challenge for the A Leagues title. I believe that under the right guidance, leadership and environment we have the right players who now have the support to perform at their highest potential.
Second, it became clear in recent months that we, as new management, were seeking a higher level of strategic expertise and cultural support for our A Leagues Women’s program. Our expectations of standards had to be improved and reenergised. I firmly believe that Alex will impart his incredible energy, deep understanding of positive cultural and strategic leadership to this team to take them to the next level and deliver on-field success.
It is important to us to recognise as a club and once again thank Garrath for his dedication and contribution to Brisbane Roar and wish him every success in the future. Garrath is an exceptional coach and person. He has without question played a crucial role in creating the foundations of success for this team over the past 3 years.
REBUILDING OUR CLUB’S RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships with industry bodies, Government bodies and the like are incredibly important for our club. Zac and I have been working hard to rebuild these relationships over the past few months.
Football QLD is one such important relationship that has been evolving in recent months. Brisbane Roar is committed to ensuring a professional pathway exists for the best youth players in Queensland to be exposed to top level football.
It is our wholehearted aim and intention to integrate our NPL & U23 teams with FQ programs to ensure a clear and visible path to professional football. As such we give FQ our full support and look forward to finalising current discussions to outline a framework to implement this collaborative strategy.
Last week Zac and I had the privilege of meeting Minister Stirling Hinchliffe. It’s the first time our club has met with his office and we thank the Minister for his warm welcome and time to discuss the club’s ambitions. During the meeting we discussed our new strategic vision as a club and expressed our excitement at “Being Back Home” and playing in Brisbane once again. I’d like to again reiterate Brisbane Roar’s commitment to being proactively involved in Government conversations that enable us to fully support the future of football and youth development in Brisbane & Queensland.
This weekend will see our men’s team take a rest, and support our women’s side who take on Western United FC at our home, Ballymore Stadium. We look forward to seeing you all there to support our mighty Roar Women’s side!
Tickets available HERE. See you there!
Thank you to each and every one of you for your continued support of Brisbane Roar FC.
Kaz Patafta
Chairman & CEO
Brisbane Roar FC
