Football Queensland announces nationally …

Football Queensland is excited to announce four nationally renowned expert hosts to deliver the inaugural Queensland Football Convention, with leading football journalist Vince Rugari to lead the event alongside co-hosts Daniel Garb, Heather Garriock and Amy Chapman.

The theme of the statewide convention, ‘Elevate the Debate’, will unite clubs, coaches, referees, and football enthusiasts from across Queensland to explore pivotal topics shaping the future of the game on Saturday, 2 November and Sunday, 3 November 2024 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Author of Angeball: The Definitive Biography of Ange Postecoglou, Vince Rugari is known for his in-depth analysis of major tournaments such as FIFA World Cups, Asian Cups and A-League Grand Finals. Rugari’s expert reporting has been featured in outlets such as The Guardian, Australian Associated Press, Stan Sport, and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Joining Vince for the inaugural convention will be Daniel Garb, who boasts over 20 years of experience as a seasoned football presenter and reporter in Australia, covering national teams, domestic leagues, and international matches.

Heather Garriock, a celebrated Matilda and Football Australia Hall of Famer, brings over 25 years of experience, including representation in three FIFA Women’s World Cups and two Olympic Games, and currently serves as a Football Australia Board Member and Vice President of Football Coaches Australia.

Amy Chapman, a former Matilda and Westfield W-League player, is known for her extensive commentary and analysis work with Optus Sport, FIFA, Channel 10, and Channel 7, and her significant contributions to football through negotiating the W-League Collective Bargaining Agreement and pioneering player support initiatives.

“We are excited to welcome Vince as our host, and Daniel, Heather and Amy as co-hosts of the inaugural Queensland Football Convention and are confident that their expertise and unique perspectives will be crucial as we address key themes including Growth, Sustainability, and Technology within the game,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.

“Their diverse backgrounds and experiences in the sporting world will help guide discussions as we strive to harness the excitement and growth surrounding the game in recent years and use that momentum to build a promising future for football both within the state and across the country.

“The two-day convention will serve as a crucial forum for innovative dialogue and collaborative exploration, offering attendees the chance to engage in transformative discussions, discover innovative solutions, and partake in interactive and insightful sessions.

“With a comprehensive agenda that includes exploring governance and administration structures, sustainable club models, and the role of technology in football, the Queensland Football Convention promises to be an essential event for anyone eager to be at the forefront of our game’s evolution.”

In addition to two days of convention sessions, the Queensland Football Convention will also include a cocktail networking event at the Brisbane Roar Men’s home opener at Suncorp Stadium, and the Football in Queensland Awards Night at Brisbane City Hall.