Farina Puts Name To Derby
The rivalry has stepped-up a notch in the North Queensland Derby between Townsville-based Northern Fury and Cairns-based FNQ Heat - with more than points to play for in the first round of the National Premier Leagues Queensland season on 1st March.
North Queensland’s favourite ‘son’, Sydney FC coach Frank Farina, has given his name to the annual ‘Frank Farina Shield’ for the overall winner of the matches between the two sides to be played in the opening round of the NPL.
The ‘Frank Farina Shield’ will be won annually by the club who wins the majority of games in the round between Northern Fury and FNQ Heat in Townsville. All-up, nine teams will compete for the honour of being the inaugural winner from U-12s through to the NPL senior team.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that Frank Farina is awarding this prize,” says Northern Fury Chairman, Rabieh Krayem.
“He is the most successful player ever from this region of Australia and it’s wonderful to see him giving back to the game by encouraging players from Under 12s through to seniors.
“This is already the biggest rivalry in Queensland football – and playing for the honour of the Frank Farina Shield will take it up a notch,” said Krayem.
Farina was born in Darwin, played his first scratch game in New Guinea but lived in Cairns for eight years. His first professional team was Mareeba United before being accepted as one of the first students at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.
He was one of the first Australian players to forge a successful international career, playing in Belgium, Italy and France before returning to Australia to lead the Brisbane Strikers to the National Soccer League championship in 1997.
He was twice Player of the Year and leading goalscorer in the NSL and won the golden boot award and best foreign player in Belgium. Farina was coach of the Socceroos from 1999-2005 and is currently coach of Sydney FC in the A-League.
“I am really honoured to be asked to give this award for the North Queensland Derby,” said Farina.
“It is a privilege to be able to encourage and inspire young players.
“It’s been a long time since I played football in North Queensland, but it's where I grew up and learned my football and played my first professional game. It has taken me all over the world as a player, as a Socceroo and as a coach.
"My advice to those who want to do the same thing is to hold the dream, work hard, respect others, never stop learning and, importantly, remain humble.”
Chairman of FNQ Heat, Adam Garnett, welcomed the news of the Frank Farina Shield also.
“The Cairns-Townsville rivalry is one of the strongest sporting rivalries in regional Australia, and the Frank Farina Shield will give it even more strength and allure.
“FNQ FC players and coaches certainly look forward to their encounters with Northern Fury and I am sure they will be even more eager for this year’s matches now there is silverware on the line.”
Garnett said FNQ Heat is favourite to win, “We flogged the Fury in Round 1 of the NPL and had a come-from-behind draw in Townsville last year.”
Nine games will take place at Townsville Sports Reserve on March 1st and 2nd involving the NPL team, the senior women’s team as well as boys’ teams from U-12 to U-18 and an U-18 girls’ team.
The teams meet each other for a warm-up match for the NPL Queensland season on Saturday at Sports Reserve. The U-20s kick-off at 5pm and the NPL senior teams at 7pm.
Words: Northern Fury FC
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.