There’s so much competition from other codes in regional Queensland. It’s just about doing what we can to promote the game and create as many opportunities as possible for these aspiring footballers.

I’ve tried in my own way to bring the A-League to Cairns, regularly bringing up guest coaches the kids can google and watch on YouTube. Over the last two years we’ve had Cassio, Michael Thwaite, Nick Carle and Michael Bridges hold workshops at my academy and the players were absolutely buzzing to have them here.

Despite all the challenges in being far away from the big smoke, the passion these kids have for football is fantastic. For me, it’s been a very rewarding journey so far. In April we will host the first ever “Far North Queensland Youth Cup” featuring academies and teams from all over the country.

Our tournament’s going to be unique because the first day we’re doing an age-appropriate advanced coaching camp where all players will participate in focus stations.

One might be a ‘one vs one’, another might be striking exercises. We’ve secured Shane Smeltz and Patrick Zwaanswijk - who have had excellent professional careers - to join me coaching the camp.

The second day will be a ‘seven vs seven’ competitive tournament, which will provide small-sided matches with lots of touches, goals and excitement for the kids.

I’m sure, between all of us, we’ll be able to offer some valuable experience and insight to these regional junior footballers.

I do it because I love seeing our kids learning and growing week to week as they practice. Watching them fulfil their challenges, but most of all, translating what they learn into a match. That’s the most rewarding part.

I’ve seen a lot of great outcomes for these players, not only from a playing perspective, but as people as well. When we first took the kids down to Sydney, it was a very intense, competitive environment. For young kids coming from Far North Queensland, who haven’t been exposed to this kind of setting, it’s a culture-shock. But every time we take them down, they get better and better.

The last time we entered a Sydney tournament, we won. When you consider the size of our talent pool, it’s a great achievement.