Category: High Performance Programs

High Performance senior football programs

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Women’s Program Coaching Team Appointed for 2025

WSL coaching-team-2025

Kingborough Lions United FC are pleased to announce the coaching and support team for our 2025 women’s program.

Simon Edwards has been appointed Head Coach for 2025 and will lead an experienced core coaching team which includes Shannon Melican and Doug Ollington throughout this season. Shannon and Doug will assist Simon with the WSL Program which will include the WSL Development Team (U18s) and Women’s Championship Team. Dedicated goalkeeping sessions will be run for all our female goal-keepers by our Goalkeeper Coach Masa Kawano.

Nick Atwell has been appointed as the Club’s new Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Head Coach and will oversee the delivery of those components within theprogram. We are very pleased that Carolyn Ferrier continues in her role of Female Program Manager.

“I am excited to be working with the program again in 2025 and look forward to building success with the excellent coaching team and club support. We will be looking to establish depth in our senior group whilst working closely with Youth TD Matt Hess to ensure our 18s and aspirational youth players are given appropriate development opportunities in the program.” said Simon.

Injury prevention and management is a core part of our women’s program. The Sports Exercise Medicine (SEM) team includes physiotherapist Roan Gillam and sports trainers Lucas Durkovic and Lincoln Paine. Additionally, the program will continue the well-being initiatives introduced last season by Ryan Keep. 

To support player development, new injury prevention and performance equipment (VALD) has been acquired for athlete testing. This equipment will be instrumental in injury prevention and the development of individual S&C plans, which players will implement in their own time using the Club’s facilities under Nick’s guidance.

The Club is also proud to announce that stage 3 of the grandstand development will be completed before the season commences, further enhancing the FIFA-standard grounds and lighting at Clennett’s Lightwood Park. Combined with new SEM and S&C equipment and exceptional change-room facilities, players will benefit from one of the best dedicated football environments in Tasmania.

Pre-season training has now resumed for all prospective WSL players, with training for the WSL Development Team (U18s) and Women’s Championship players  starting the week of 13 January. To express your interest in joining, please submit an Expression of Interest here. 

An information session will be held on Monday, 13 January, from 6 pm to 7 pm at Clennett’s Lightwood Park Club Rooms. New players are welcome—this is a great opportunity to meet our coaching team and discuss your options for the 2025 season

For more information about KLUFC women’s program, please email Simon Edwards or Carolyn Ferrier at [email protected].

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Nick Atwell appointed Strength and Conditioning Coordinator

Kingborough Lions United Football Club is excited to welcome Nick Atwell on-board as the club’s first Strength and Conditioning Coordinator .

Nick has been appointed to a club-wide role designing and managing delivery of our NPL and WSL strength and conditioning programs, as well as overseeing new programs focused on strength, conditioning and injury prevention for our youth cohort. The first of these will be introduced under January 2025 for our Youth players.

Nick brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Strength and Conditioning program, having coached athletes across a broad range of sports at all levels from senior men to youth level and juniors, including Australian and Tasmanian representatives in Boxing, Ice, field Hockey, inline Hockey, Aussie Rules, American Football, Basketball, Sprint training and Parkour. Nick has played both football and AFL, and been a state rep for American Football. He is a Boxing BA accredited coach, AFL accredited coach with statewide experience and has delivered training services for several years.

” I’m truly excited to be back with the club in an expanded roll that now includes working with not just the NPL, U21 and U17 men’s programs but now also including our exciting WSL and Youth programs as well” said Nick.

Nick enters his 4th season at NPL level with KLUFC and will be working closely with our Sports Exercise Medicine team and Technical Directors to design and deliver best of class S&C programs for our programs.

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Mens Program Assistant Coach Opportunities

CLP Panorama

Join the High-Performance Men’s Program coaching team at Kingborough Lions United Football Club

Kingborough Lions United FC is inviting Expressions of Interest to join NPL Head Coach Jon Fenech in our High-Performance Men’s Program. We are seeking dedicated individuals to fill the following roles:

  • NPL Assistant Coach
  • NPL21 Assistant Coach
  • U18 Head Coach

If you’re passionate about football and ready to contribute to a successful high-performance program, we encourage you to apply.

 Click here to submit your EOI

Key Dates:

  • Applications close: 9:00 AM, December 19, 2024
  • Applicants notified: December 22, 2024

We guarantee full confidentiality throughout the process, and all applicants will be contacted regarding the status of their application.

Roar with the Pride!

About Us

The Kingborough Lions United Football Club has a rich history of fostering talent and empowering a love for the world game. We are committed to creating a stronger and healthier community through football, and competing at the highest level of football in Tasmania. The club’s values are Respect, Commitment, Community, Success and Balance.

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WSL Coach Cam Heazlewood to Leave Kingborough Lions United FC

Cameron Heazlewood

Kingborough Lions United FC WSL Head Coach, Cam Heazlewood has been released to pursue other football opportunities in the north of the state.

“We are sorry to see Cam leave after only one year, however upon discussion we felt it better for all concerned that Cam move on before we get into 2025, and as we continue to prepare for the new WSL campaign” said Club President Brian Downes.  “We are very pleased with what Cam achieved this season, and the Club wishes him all the best with his future football career” Downes added.

Cam Heazlewood guided the Lions to 3rd in the Tasmanian Women’s Super League this season, and were also finalists in the Women’s Statewide Cup Final, narrowly losing to Devonport City Strikers.

“I have decided to step down from my coaching role prior to the new season to help the club be in a space where they can set themselves up for success during both 2025 and beyond. During 2024 I have learned a lot, on and off the pitch.  I have been challenged but also had the opportunity to learn and grow in such a supportive club. The girls have made great strides on the pitch, and I encourage them to continue moving upward. I want to see them become the best people and players they can be. The women’s game continues to grow and I am thankful for the relationships I have formed with my supportive staff this season” said Cam Heazlewood.

“I feel however, that now is the right time to step away and move closer to home. Thanks again to the club for understanding and supporting my decision, and I wish the entire program success for 2025 and beyond” added Heazlewood.

The Club will now begin a focused and comprehensive search for a new head coach to guide the program beyond 2025.

Any enquiries regarding the program should be directed to the club’s Technical Director, Simon Edwards.

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Lions Appoint Shannon Melican as WSL Development Coach

shannon-lightwood-park

The Lions are excited to announce the appointment of Shannon Melican as the new Women’s Super League (WSL) Development Coach.

Originally from Western Australia, Shannon has a rich background in football, having played competitively from a young age. Over the past three years, she has made a significant impact in Tasmania’s football scene, most recently coaching the Glenorchy Knights FC U18 Girls in 2024 to a league and statewide cup double. In 2023, she guided the U16 Girls to a league title and also contributed to the club’s Youth Girls Academy program.

Shannon brings a strong foundation to her new role, holding a C Diploma coaching accreditation. Speaking about the appointment, Shannon shared her enthusiasm:

“I am excited for the opportunity to be joining KLUFC. There is great support around the women’s high-performance program here and a clear vision for what we want to achieve. I look forward to working with the talented players, both developing and experienced, as well as the other coaches at the club. My focus will be to support players through the transition from youth to senior football and to help create the right environment to ensure they can reach their potential and enjoy themselves along the way.”

In her role, Shannon will serve as an assistant to WSL Head Coach Cameron Heazlewood on match days and play a vital role in ensuring smooth pathways from youth programs to senior football through the club’s high-performance setup. She will also collaborate closely with the club’s Technical Directors to align the development pathways with the club’s broader vision.

Club Technical Director Simon Edwards emphasised the significance of Shannon’s appointment:

“It is important for our female athletes to have strong female role models in their football journey – so it is fantastic to have Shannon on board as a coach working with our aspiring youth players as part of our High Performance Female program. ”

The club welcomes Expressions of Interest (EOI) from players keen to join its high-performance or youth programs.  For inquiries, please contact Carolyn Ferrier (Female High Performance Program Manager) or Tiffany Doman (Youth Girls Football Manager). Players can register they interested directly though the Expression of Interest Form.

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Jon Fenech appointed Kingborough Lions United FC National Premier League Head Coach

Jon-Fenech-2

After strong interest from candidates around the world, Jon Fenech, an accomplished football professional with a strong background in both playing and coaching, has been appointed Head Coach of Kingborough Lions United FC’s National Premier League (NPL) team.

Jon is a UEFA-qualified coach and an active member of the UK Professional Footballers Association. He is currently studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Football Sport Directorship and has been shortlisted to commence his UEFA A License Course in 2025. Jon comes to Kingborough following 8 years in Queensland football.

He brings a wealth of football experience to Kingborough, having played for Blackpool FC and Fleetwood Town in his native United Kingdom, and  represented Malta at the international level.

Most recently, Jon has been part of the highly successful coaching team at St George Willawong FC. Jon played a key role in their 2024 season in which the club won both the Football Queensland Premier League 1 & Queensland Champions League Finals, in addition to competing in the FQPL1 Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium.

The selection panel were delighted to have very strong interest in this role from right around the world but Jon’s community oriented values and commitment to building a strong club environment stood out. While impressed by the breadth of Jon’s football experience, it was his enthusiasm for taking the Lions to the next level that in every way made him the right choice for the club.

Jon is excited to be making the move to Tasmania to take on the Head Coach role with Kingborough Lions United FC and is highly motivated to collaborate with key stakeholders within the club to help achieve their goals, not just for the NPL team but also the wider community initiatives the club supports. 

Jon’s appointment signals a new era for the Lions, as they aim to build on their recent achievements and continue their upward trajectory in Tasmania’s National Premier League competition.

Jon-fenech
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NPL Head Coach Opportunity

NPL-Coach-Opportunity-2024

Join the Kingborough Lions United Football Club as our New NPL Coach !

The Kingborough Lions United F.C. is seeking a dedicated NPL Head Coach to lead our talented High Performance Mens team(s) and foster a sustainable winning culture within our club.

Position Details

  • Position: NPL Program Head Coach  
  • Location: Kingborough, Tasmania
  • Role: Part Time

Key Responsibilities 

  • Develop and implement training programs that enhance player skills and team performance.  
  • Lead and manage NPL teams during training sessions and matches.  
  • Foster a positive, motivating, and inclusive high performance environment for players and coaches.  
  • Collaborate with club management team and other coaches to align on club goals and player development pathways.  
  • Scout and recruit new talent to strengthen our teams.  
  • Monitor and evaluate player progress, providing constructive feedback and mentorship.  
  • Mentor and lead senior program coaches and players
  • Represent the club at appropriate stakeholder engagements and media events.

Qualifications

  • Relevant coaching qualifications (minimum FA/AFC B Licence).  
  • Proven experience coaching in the National Premier Leagues or similar High Performance environment
  • Track record of developing, implementing and maintaining successful coaching programs
  • Strong tactical knowledge of football and a passion for player development.  
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills .
  • Strong time management and organisational abilities.
  • Ability to inspire and motivate players, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.  

What we offer

  • Be part of a supportive and progressive club with a rich tradition.  
  • Opportunity to influence the next generation of football talent.  
  • Competitive remuneration package based on experience.  
  • Access to ongoing professional development opportunities.

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, lead the NPL program to success, and help shape the future of the Kingborough Lions Football Club, we want to hear from you!

How to Apply  

Please complete the Coaching Expression of Interest Form and send your resume, and a cover letter outlining criteria and experience to our Club Technical Director by 13 October 2024.

About Us

The Kingborough Lions United Football Club has a rich history of fostering talent and empowering a love for the world game. We are committed to creating a stronger and healthier community through football, and competing at the highest level of football in Tasmania. The club’s values are Respect, Commitment, Community, Success and Balance.

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Alfred Hess to leave his role at Kingborough Lions United FC

NPL High-Performance Program Head Coach and Youth Technical Director Alfred Hess is moving on to pursue new football opportunities. 

Alfred Hess returned to Tasmania from Canberra in 2021 to join the Kingborough Lions and has served as the NPL Head Coach for two seasons, as well as the Club’s Youth Technical Director. 

Alfred has made a major contribution to the Lions during his time, particularly in the NPL High Performance space where he has put together a very professionally run program that has set new standards across the board. 

Alfred guided the Lions to fourth place in the NPL Tasmania competition in 2023 and 2024, and as runner ups in the Summer Cup and the Lakoseljac (Statewide) Cup this year. He departs the Lions having also made a significant impact on the development of our youth football pathways.

Alfred is an exceptional young coach with a great future ahead of him, and the Club wishes him much success for the future.  

The recruitment of the next Kingborough Lions NPL Head Coach for 2025 is commencing immediately, with the Club prepared to look far afield if necessary to find the right coach.   

The Club is also seeking a new Youth Technical Director/High Performance Coach. 

Any coaches interested in the vacant roles should complete the following Expression of Interest form: https://forms.gle/uTeNgqvk4UUZdyjj9

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Battle of Franklin Cup set to raise funds for prostate cancer

Battle Of Franklin 2024

Tasmanian men and families impacted by prostate cancer are expected to be the winners when two local football clubs go head-to-head in Tasmania’s second ‘Battle of Franklin Cup’ on June 15.

All proceeds from the game between the Clarence Zebras and Kingborough Lions United will be donated to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

This year’s event will be at the newly updated Clennett’s Lightwood Park in Kingston, hosted by Kingborough Lions United, with the Cup itself generously purchased by Tristan Penneyston from Penneyston Painting.

President of the Kingborough Lions United, Brian Downes, said the club was looking forward to hosting the event.

“This year’s Cup is expected to be a great night of football in support of men’s health,” Mr Downes said.

“Like many men across Tasmania, prostate cancer has impacted our club members. Last year’s Battle of Franklin Cup was a roaring success and we look forward to repeating the action on Saturday.

Fans will enioy a great game atmosphere as well as hot food and drinks in the clubhouse, where people will be able to donate to PCFA and purchase merchandise.”


Prostate cancer survivor and long-time Clarence Zebras supporter, Rick Bennett, urged locals to get along to the game.

“Keeping the conversation relevant and ongoing is a passion for me as I want to see as many men in their 40s start a conversation with their GPs to commence PSA testing,” said Mr Bennett.

For me creating a baseline early through regular PSA testing enabled me to react much sooner once there was a change in the numbers.  

Without being on top of it as soon as we were able to, I may not have had the positive and significant outcomes I have today. My family are so important to me and I plan to be with them for much longer.

I’m looking forward to seeing the Battle of Franklin Cup take part once again, cheering on our common goal of supporting men and their loved ones living with prostate cancer and continuing on the conversation of getting more men tested. #BeinvestedGetTested.”


PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, commended the clubs.


“With more than 6,000 Tasmanian men and families impacted by prostate cancer, events like this are key to rallying much needed support and raising awareness of the disease,” Ms Savage said.

“Community awareness is key to prostate cancer control, helping to improve rates of early detection and promote greater understanding of Tasmania’s most commonly diagnosed cancer.

More than 500 Tasmanian men will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.

We’re tremendously grateful to the Clarence Zebras and the Kingborough Lions for supporting men in the local community impacted by prostate cancer.

Organiser and volunteer Rick Bennett has been a champion for our cause, demonstrating the difference that individuals can make in saving lives.

We’re pleased to see Rick and others bring together these two clubs for what promises to be a great match.

We look forward to a great night at the football, for a good cause.”

For more information and to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.prostate.org.au.

ENDS
To arrange an interview with Brian Downes or Rick Bennett, please contact:
Laura Gillett | 0468 788 609

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Battle Of Franklin 2024 – Who will Secure the Cup ?!

Battle Of Franklin 2024 - Prostate Cancer Fundraiser
Battle Of Franklin 2024 - Prostate Cancer Fundraiser
Battle Of Franklin 2024
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History in the Making as Lions progress to Cup Finals

Lightwood Park Football

Kingborough Lions United Football Club and Glenorchy Knights (Croatia-Glenorchy) will compete for the Lakoseljac Cup on June 10 at Clennett’s Lightwood Park. The Lions eventually overcame a fiery Riverside Olympic team in the Lakoseljac semifinal, with some set-piece magic from Greg Downes sealing the game in the dying minutes.

Our women’s team met Launceston United in their semi-final. In a nail-biting match, the game went to extra time. The Lions emerged victorious with a 4-2 win (2-2 at full time) and will face Devonport Strikers in the final at Clennett’s Lightwood Park on June 10

Football Tasmania have chosen Clennett’s Lightwood Park as the venue for the 2024 Statewide Cup Finals and the club is working with FT to host the finals day. This will be the first time Kingborough Lions United FC has had both of its high performance teams in the cup finals.

Finals Day Monday 10 June at Clennett’s Lightwood Park:

  • 11:00 – U21 Statewide Cup Final: Devonport Strikers vs Clarence Zebras FC
  • 13:30 Women’s Statewide Cup Final: Kingborough Lions United FC vs Devonport City Strikers
  • 16:00 Lakoseljac Cup Final: Kingborough Lions United FC vs Glenorchy Knights

Goal Highlights from the 2024 Men’s Lakoseljac Cup Semi-Final against Riverside Olympic

Goal Highlights from the 2024 Women’s Statewide Cup Semi-Final against Launceston United

Recent History – Men

The Lion’s last appearance in a Lakoseljac Cup Grand Final was in 2015 against South Hobart FC.

2015 Lakoseljac Cup Grand Final v South Hobart FC

Recent History – Women

The Lions’ Women’s team has competed in Statewide Cup grand finals in 2018, 2019 and 2022.

2022 Statewide Cup Women’s Grand Final v Launceston United

2019 Statewide Cup Women’s Grand Final v Clarence Zebras

2018 Statewide Cup Women’s Grand Final v Taroona FC