Brownlie Added To FB Tour Of Spain Coaching Group
Albany Creek striker Royce Brownlie has been added to Football Brisbane’s Spain Tour coaching group joining Nick Croydon, Joe Fenech and Barry Ross on the excursion taking place in the June/July school holidays. Brownlie has become involved in the tour via his son Rylan who will be part of the touring group of under 10s, 11s and 12s on the two-week tour that will focus on Madrid in the first week and take in activities such as training with academy coaches at the Spanish National Training Facility, home of the Spanish national teams before heading to San Sebastian in week two to compete in the Donosti Cup, one of Europe’s largest youth football competitions boasting teams from over 80 countries. Asked what sort of opportunity Rylan will get from such an experience, the former Hyundai A-League and PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues striker said, "As part of my playing career, I’ve had the opportunity to experience different cultures and football setups. This experience will hopefully give him a taste and educate him on some of the challenges to expect with different languages and styles of football." Brownlie, a qualified AFC 'B' licence coach, will be imparting some of the goal scoring prowess we've been witnessing in the Flight Centre Premier League. "I have been lucky enough to have been asked to join the coaching staff on this tour. For me it will be about building football relationships and definitely seeing what new techniques and styles of coaching the other countries are doing with their teams at different age groups not only to bring that back to Australia but also to pass it on the players on this tour." he said when asked what his reaction was when approached to coach on the tour. It’s a unique opportunity for those players attending the tour to be coached and mentored by a player of Brownlie’s predigree. A former NSL player with Brisbane Strikers and Marconi Stallions, Brownlie went on to join Queensland Roar as one of their founding players in the inaugural season of the Hyundai A-League, making 10 appearances and scoring twice, before a brief overseas stint saw him at Swindon Town. He returned to the southern hemisphere where he played a handful of games for Wellington Phoenix in Season 3 of the Hyundai A-League but returned to Brisbane in 2008 to join Peninsula Power and then North Star. Undoubtedly his most prolific form came at Moreton Bay Utd in the PlayStation4 NPL where he scored 72 goals in 84 games for the Wolter Park club. Asked what his thoughts are of the tour, he stated, "Back when I was coming through, these opportunities were not around and if there was a rare trip it was very expensive." "This tour provides the kids with a week of training and some sightseeing followed by a week of football depending on how far they go in the Donosti Cup tournament. For the kids it is an experience which can only help their football progression and knowledge of the game. They all watch Real Madrid and Barcelona and to be able to go on a tour through the Bernabeu Stadium I am sure will give them goose bumps. The only thing missing is being able to watch a live game which would top off the trip but it is hard when the La Liga competition is out of season." This year has seen Brownlie move from PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues side Moreton Bay Utd to Albany Creek and the striker has been enjoying a purple patch of late with crucial goals that have propelled Creek to second in the Flight Centre Premier League table. On his rich vein of form of late, Brownlie humbly responded, "To be honest I am not quite sure. My wife Stacy and my son Rylan always give me their constructive criticism after each game which helps as I think you never stop learning especially when you love and enjoy the game. I am enjoying my new move to Albany Creek and with both Rylan and my daughter Summer playing at the club, it is a real family affair. Hopefully I can keep momentum going and help Creek win the title and finish with a goal a game." The FB Tour of Spain departs Saturday 24th June and returns Monday 10th July. There are still spots available if you'd like to join the tour and share this unique experience. Please contact: promotions@footballbrisbane.com.au for further information.
