Words & Image: Northern Fury FC

Northern Fury has taken another step in its development as a football force in North Queensland with the establishment of the Fury Academy.

The Fury Academy is a development program under the leadership of Director of Coaching, Ian Ferguson, for 9-11 year-olds to take part in a weekly customised training program with Ferguson, Technical Director Harry Bingham and other qualified Fury coaches.

The program will be in line with the FFA National Curriculum and will provide players with the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge of the game in a specialised environment.

"The aim of the Fury Academy is to develop young players and give them the best opportunity possible to realise their potential as players,” said Ferguson.

Northern Fury Chairman, Rabieh Krayem, said the Fury Academy is an important step in the development of Fury’s long-term vision.

“We aim to be back in the A-League in 4-5 years time and, before then, in the W-League and National Youth League because we want the young people of this region to have elite level sport to aspire to,” said Krayem.

“The Fury Academy will help us achieve that. We invite 9-to-11 year-old players who are keen to develop their skills as much as possible to join the Academy and learn football in the best environment possible under the direction of someone of the calibre of Ian Ferguson.

“Northern Fury offers young players the only viable pathway into top-level football in North Queensland, so if kids and parents are serious about football, it’s not just the best option, it’s the only option.”

Ferguson said that, with Northern Fury teams starting from the Under-12 age group, the players with the most potential will be invited to transition from the Academy to the Northern Fury development squads.

“We’re trying to build a football program that will help nurture and develop young people in football, and all the associated attributes of playing a team sport, from an early age,” said Ferguson.

“The Fury Academy will lay the groundwork for improved competitiveness at all age groups and, hopefully one day, at national level competition.”

“We want to produce players for the highest level possible as well as future Socceroos and Matildas,” Ferguson said.

The Fury Academy is inviting interested youngsters to trial in a series of matches to be held on Sunday 4 May.

Participants in the Fury Academy will pay $250 a year with players to receive shorts, shirt and socks, and with $50 returned to the player’s ‘home’ club.

Krayem said this was in recognition of the home club’s role in nurturing young players.