Chairman Don Matheson believes the club's trip to Singapore is a tremendous opportunity to sow the seeds which could bear crucial fruit for future of the A-League new boys.  

Ian Ferguson's side enjoy their first real hit out against Tampines Rovers at Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday with Robbie Fowler likely to be the star attraction for local fans.

But the trip is not designed to merely give the players a chance to stretch their legs. The club's chairman will be working incredibly hard to ensure that the trip produces lasting benefits for the Townsville outfit.  

"I've set up around half a dozen different meetings so far as we look to establish partnerships and to attract sponsors," Matheson told au.fourfourtwo.com this afternoon.  

The current global economic crisis makes it tough to persuade would-be sponsors to open their wallets but Matheson is looking beyond the here and now.  

"No question, it's tough times but I believe that by putting in the good work now, you are building for a situation where things can come to fruition further down the line."  

However, the trip is not all about attracting new investment. It is a way to establish Fury's identity in Asia and hopefully build links with other footballing set ups.  

Some A-League clubs already boast links and partnerships with clubs overseas and Matheson is happy to explore that option for Fury.

That could one day see Fury welcoming Asian players into the fold or Fury players heading the other way.  

"A question I get asked a lot is would we consider signing a player from Asia? Yes, if the player's good enough," said the Fury chairman.  

From a purely footballing point of view Matheson says the trip to Singapore is another important step in helping a brand new squad gel together.

He said: "The players have their first real opportunity for some match time and the trip is a great chance for further bonding."  

Fury still have a couple of holes to fill in their squad with a goalkeeper and a couple of under 21 players still to be secured. Matheson said efforts were continuing on all three fronts with several triallists currently being put through their paces.  

Local representation is important to the chairman and he admits he'd love to see a North Queensland face among the squad.

He said: "Fergie is working hard to build excellent relationships (with local clubs) as we are as a club in terms of our community work."