The Kingborough Lions United Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of our dear Life Member George Arnott. Our deepest sympathies are extended to George’s children, and grandchildren..
Past KLUFC President & Life Member, Brian Dale, shared this history about George:
George arrived in Tasmania on the 9th June, 1951 and worked as a Jackeroo on a farm in the
Midlands. On a visit to Hobart, he saw in the paper there was soccer being played at South
Hobart so he wandered up and whilst sitting in the stand before the game wearing a tartan scarf & tie, George was approached by a chap named Jimmy Truesdale he asked him if he could play soccer, as the Scottish team were a player short, he said he could and this started his career by scoring twice to give the Scottish team a 3-2 win over the English team. It was an end of the season International competition.
The following year he arranged with his employer to work an extra hour a day so he could have Saturday morning off to play soccer in Hobart. George had to walk in the dark after work approx 3 miles to the railway siding, light a lamp in the box to stop the train going to Hobart where he finally arrived about 10.30 p.m. He would then play on Saturday before catching a train home on Sunday as far as Parattah and then walked 5 miles back to the farm. George did this for 2 years until his parents & sisters arrived in 1953, it was then he moved to Hobart where Caledonians found him employment.
George represented the State of Tasmania 14 times against all the other states as well as twice against visiting Chinese team, 1956 Olympic team, and also the team he supported in Scotland, Heart of Midlothian. He was also Captain of the State Team on six occasions. He transferred to Launceston with his employment in 1965 and was appointed Captain Coach of Northern Juventus.
George had played approx 700 club games, scored approx 500 goals including 63 in one season. When he finished playing he went on the Committee for many years ending in becoming President for the last 5 years before the Club merged with Kingborough where he was appointed Vice President for 2 years.
George was also on the Southern Tasmanian Soccer Association Committee for many years and also served on the State Body for 5 years.
George stated “If there is one thing I am proud of in that time, it was the opportunity to play the Beautiful game of soccer, and to play a leading part in the merger of Caledonians & Kingborough which has led to Kingborough Lions United.”
Additionally, Walter Pless has also penned this piece
George Arnott was a truly great contributor to Football in Tasmania. Kingborough Lions United FC is incredibly grateful. Image Courtesy of Walter Pless:
Kingborough Lions United Football Club is excited to be kicking off our Youth Academy 2021 on Monday 18 January with player “Come & Trial” assessment sessions to help us plan teams for the season.
Sessions will be run as follows;
Mon 18 Jan & Wed 20 Jan, Boys born 2008 & Girls born 2003-2008
Tue 19 Jan & Thu 21 Jan, Boys born 2003-2007
All sessions run 16:30-18:00 (4.30pm-6.00pm)
New and returning players please complete this Youth Academy Application Form by the end of Sunday 17 January.
We aim to offer every player a position in a youth team but this depends on the age and player’s level of commitment.
Players who participate in our Academy programs and grading process will be given priority in youth teams. We look forward to you joining Kingborough Lions United Football Club for the 2021 Youth Season.
Players looking to play the shorter Winter Season only iin our Youth Development program should complete the Youth Interest Form.
For additional information, contact Youth Coordinator Lorna Barrett on 0400 666 994 or at youth@klufc.org.au
Nominations need to be emailed (public.officer@klufc.org.au) or posted to: P.O. Box 61, Blackmans Bay. TAS 7052 to be received by the Club’s Public Officer by no later than the 10th of December. Hope to see you there.
Official Notice
AGM Kingborough Lions United Football Club will be held:
Thursday 17 December 2020 commencing 7:00pm at Lightwood Park Clubrooms, Lightwood Crescent, Kingston.
Business to be conducted includes:
Confirmation of Minutes of Previous AGM 15 December 2019
Hone your skills at our fun holiday clinics ! Open to players from all school or club teams. You do not have to play for Kingborough Lions United FC to be involved !!
Suitable for children aged 5-12, our Young Lions school holiday clinics are focused on having fun whilst developing football skills – overseen by FFA accredited coaches and Senior Lions NPL/WSL players – parents can relax while their kids enjoy some much needed football activity over the break for players at all levels of development. Skills, games, FUN !!!
Venue: Lightwood Park, Kingston (behind the Kingborough Sports Centre)
Dates: Wednesday 30th September, Thursday 1st October , Wednesday 7th September & Thursday 8th September 2020
Times: 9:30 am to 12:30 am half day or 9:30 am -4:00 am full day
Bring: water bottle, shin pads & boots, a big smile and lots of energy
Cost: $35 per participant for half day, $55 for full day.
Food: Lunch Packs are available for purchase for $7 (please indicate on registration form if you require )
