Brisbane Roar will increase spending on new football infrastructure and has announced that club memberships for season 2015/16 will be at the same prices as last season with additional member discounts to be made available.
The club will also expand its community engagement and junior coaching programs, including a September tour through Queensland regional areas that will see Roar skills clinics staged in Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Innisfail, Cairns and Mareeba.
Brisbane Roar FC chairman Chris Fong said a media report today suggesting cutbacks in these areas was incorrect and misleading.
“There are no cuts,” Fong said.
“Today’s media report on the club lacks credibility.
“The club has been driving towards financial independence for some time and we expect to reach this point very soon without any significant changes to the existing structure.
“The club does not deny it has been a tough year with Champions League commitments, rescheduled matches and washed out games.
“We are in the process now of reviewing the season and shaping possible budgets to ensure the club continues to grow and remain strong in 2015/16.
“Our plan is to increase spending next season in areas related to football.
“The club always has, and always will, strive for the highest levels of success within each competition in which the Roar is involved.
“Everyone at the club is working hard to achieve this and it is frustrating for those efforts to be undermined by a negative media report based on figures that are neither current nor relevant.”
Fong said it was a disservice to the Queensland football community for the report to suggest the Roar would scale back its popular and hugely successful junior clinics and community engagement programs.
“Community engagement and grassroots coaching is extremely important to Brisbane Roar FC and we place a very high value on our ongoing programs in these areas,” Fong said.
Brisbane Roar 2015/16 memberships will be on sale soon. Current members will be notified via email.