Sport
16 April, 2025
CQU seals college alliance
WITH our region set to be one of only two regional locations hosting soccer in the 2032 Olympic Games, CQUniversity (CQU) is nurturing home-grown talent and redefining sports development in North Queensland.
In what has been described as “a significant move”, CQU has forged a partnership with St Augustine’s College in Cairns to support sports development and performance.
This collaboration is part of a broader effort to create a pipeline of elite athletes who can compete on the world stage while remaining in their hometown.
One of the key figures driving this initiative is CQU senior lecturer Alberto Filgueiras, a former sports psychologist for the Brazilian Olympic Committee and the Brazilian national men’s soccer team.
With extensive experience in sport star identification, particularly in soccer, Dr Filgueiras is applying his globally recognised research to help Cairns’ young athletes reach their full potential.
“Cairns has a massive opportunity to challenge the notion that students need to move south for better sports training and opportunities,” said Dr Filgueiras.
“By offering mental skills support to young athletes here, we’re not only fostering talent but also positioning CQU, St Augustine’s, and Cairns at the forefront of athletic development in Australia.”
St Augustine’s College is already a well-established feeder school for the Cowboys.
