Brisbane Roar’s first Community Ambassadors were presented to the crowd at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
The club’s new Community Ambassador Program is designed to connect Brisbane Roar with local communities across Queensland through the promotion of football, community activity and greater communication with local community groups.
The 19 Community Ambassadors are: Ali Ghafoor (Marsden); David Kai (Arana Hills), Diego Montiel (St Lucia); Gordon Yau (Newstead); Hamza Shale (Upper Mount Gravatt); Leanne Coryell (Rocklea); Lisa Banyard (Marsden); Mac Miller (Herston); Matthew Trevett-Lyall (Clifton Beach); Mustafa Jafari (Woodridge); Peter Forday (Norman Park); Rinichi Mikami (Moorooka); Ronnie Yap (Carindale); Simon Trentino (Auchenflower); Stuart Taylor (Point Vernon); Russell Yarrow (Bellbird Park); Sabina Ashted (Carindale); Taka Uematsu (Tennyson); Vanessa Bellos (Carindale).
Brisbane Roar FC chief executive David Pourre said Brisbane Roar was committed to connecting with the community.
“We welcome our new ambassadors to the club and look forward to working closely with them to build strong ties between the Roar and their communities,” he said.
The Community Ambassadors come from diverse backgrounds and experiences and are united in their passion for football and their demonstrated care for the community, the program’s Chief Ambassador, Jim Bellos said.
“We are so proud of who we have chosen and we are hoping for double the numbers next year,” he said.
“They love their football, they share their football and they are engaged in their community. There is no other initiative like this in the Hyundai A-League and we are hoping that it spreads to other clubs.”
New ambassador Peter Forday said: “Roar understands that football is for everybody. It’s the Roar that wanted to connect with the community. For people from culturally diverse backgrounds, football is in their blood, it’s how we communicate, it’s how we relate to each other.”
After the November launch of the program, the Roar received a positive response from the community and more than 40 applications were lodged showing interest in becoming Community Ambassadors.
The 19 (many of whom are pictured above celebrating at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night) were selected as the best candidates to fulfill the following roles:
• Represent Brisbane Roar at community events.
• Ensure the community is participating in as many football programs as are available.
• Promote local football programs, matches and community initiatives via social media and community newsletters.
• Be a positive role model.
• Assist with charity connection within their region.
• Liaise where possible with local clubs to promote football participation.
• Liaise with community staff at Brisbane Roar to advise on upcoming local events and opportunities for Brisbane Roar to assist and attend.
• Communicate opportunities to interact, support and be part of local football and community initiatives in their areas.
For any enquiries about the program, contact Brisbane Roar FC Community Director Brendon Boss at bboss@brisbaneroar.com.au
Words by JOSHUA PELLOWE
