From the A-League to the Classroom: Karl Dodd Inspires Future Coaches

A former professional player and seasoned coach, Dodd brings a wealth of experience to the program, currently serving as the head coach of Brisbane Roar's National Premier Leagues (NPL) team.

Dodd's illustrious career spans playing stints with clubs like Brisbane Roar, Wellington Phoenix, and North Queensland Fury, as well as coaching roles that include managing the Guam national team and serving as High Performance Manager at Brisbane Roar. His international experience, combined with academic pursuits—he is currently undertaking a PhD focusing on systemic controls in sports—positions him uniquely to mentor aspiring coaches.

Under Dodd's guidance, students are learning the technical aspects of coaching and the importance of character development and adaptability. He emphasises creating well-rounded individuals who can thrive on and off the field. "We’re big on the person, because the person transfers to the field," Dodd notes, highlighting the program's holistic approach to coach education.

The collaboration between TAFE Queensland and Football Queensland, bolstered by Dodd's expertise, ensures that students receive current and deeply rooted education in real-world experience. This partnership is instrumental in developing the next generation of community sport leaders, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and mindset required to excel in the dynamic world of football coaching.

Don Harley, Manager of TAFE Queensland's Academy of Sport, underscores the significance of such collaborations: "Our vision is to inspire sporting excellence by training the next generation of sporting coaches, administrators, development officers, and managers."

He adds, "When combined with TAFE Queensland’s hands-on training with theoretical learning, the Academy of Sport ensures graduates are job-ready with real-world skills, knowledge, and experience for a career in the industry."

Yanith Rajdev, Football Queensland's Senior Manager of Digital & Commercial, echoes this sentiment: "The partnership between Football Queensland and TAFE Queensland is pivotal in shaping the future of football coaching in our state. By integrating practical experiences with academic learning, we're setting our students up for success in the ever-evolving sports industry."

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, the need for qualified coaches in Queensland’s grassroots football system is growing. This program provides exactly that: passionate, capable young leaders ready to support the next generation of players.

Applications for the Semester 1, 2026 intake of Football Queensland’s TAFE at School program will open on 21 July through the TAFE Queensland Academy of Sport website.