26 October 2021
Published 22 May 2020
Moreton Bay Regional Council is leading the cheers for Brisbane Roar after the Football Club announced they would provide free training for families left out of pocket by the closure of Barca-Academy.
Mayor Peter Flannery thanked the Queensland A-League side for hosting a free carnival-style tournament at James Drysdale Reserve in Bunya.
“I’d like to say I’m the Roar’s Number One fan right now, but they’ve captured the hearts of dozens of local families through this heroic gesture,” the Mayor said.
“I’m disbelieving that the world’s richest football club, FC Barcelona, could allow an affiliated academy to fleece local families for their money like this.
“Fortunately, in true Aussie spirit, the Roar weren’t going to let these families go without.
“Brisbane Roar have been on the front foot from the moment they heard the news, and they’ve been very clear that they want to give these young footballers the next best opportunity.
“I can’t praise the Roar highly enough for their care and consideration for these families who are already doing it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Those parents have made significant sacrifices to give their kids the best opportunity to pursue their dreams overseas by purchasing a once in a lifetime package.
“We will do the next best thing and put on a free carnival-style tournament free of charge, with the support of the Roar and Pine Hills FC, who will host the event at their home ground.”
It’s understood around 75 families have lost a total of $350,000.
The Brisbane Roar Academy will also invite these young footballers to take part in a free Academy’s Junior Talent ID program in Term 3 of this year.
Brisbane Roar CEO David Pourre said they would receive coaching from the academy’s highly accredited and experienced coaches where they can be scouted for further opportunities.
“In these uncertain times, Brisbane Roar will always do what we can with the resources at our disposal to support football in Queensland,” Mr Pourre said.
“We felt it upon ourselves to come in and offer support in the best way we can and provide these young kids and their families with some reprieve and a little bit of hope that they can get some football in this year and enjoy it.
“Brisbane Roar have and will always support our football community at large and we have highly-accredited coaches and a wonderful Academy system to assist these children.”
Details about the tournament and academy program will be released soon.
Pine Hills FC, who will host the carnival-style tournament at their home ground, have also received $65,000 worth of grants to upgrade their facilities under Council’s COVID-19 Hardship Grants program.
“With COVID-19, everyone at the club is struggling,” Pine Hills FC president John Easley said.
“But Council have been amazing, providing funding at a record speed which will go a long way to upgrading our facility including our lighting.
“Tradies are looking for work and nobody is around here at the moment so they will be able to get in and get their work done when it’s needed most.”
