High Performance Programs Archives

Posted on June 14, 2024June 14, 2024 by klufc

Battle of Franklin Cup set to raise funds for prostate cancer

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

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

Posted on May 20, 2024June 4, 2024 by klufc

History in the Making as Lions progress to Cup Finals

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

Posted on February 12, 2024February 26, 2024 by klufc

Seeking Sports Trainers

Kingborough Lions United Football Club is on the lookout for sports trainers, both current and aspiring, to join our team and support the Club’s Women’s (WSL & U18s) and Men’s Squads (NPL & U21s) during the 2024 Season. If you’re keen to get involved but lack the necessary qualifications, the Club offers support to help you engage in the appropriate training courses.

Job Responsibilities:

Supporting with both training and match day preparations, including assistance at the sideline for home and away games.
Offering strapping and soft tissue treatments to players.
Collaborating within a multidisciplinary team, reporting directly to the Sports & Exercise Medicine Coordinator and Head Coaches.

Work hours range from 1 to 15 hours weekly, starting from February/March until September 2024.

The club will provide a medical kit, treatment table, and official Club apparel.

Compensation details are open for discussion.

Email Expressions of Interest to [email protected]

Posted on October 28, 2023October 28, 2023 by klufc

Lions Appoint Cameron Heazlewood WSL Head Coach

27 October 2023

Kingborough Lions United FC have appointed Cameron Heazlewood as Head Coach of the Club’s Women’s High-Performance Program, and Women’s Super League Team for the next two years.

Heazlewood is a young coach on the rise having this year coached Devonport Strikers’ NPL21’s to fourth in the League, and in 2020 was Head Coach when Launceston United won the Women’s Northern Championship. Heazlewood has also spent several years in North Queensland coaching a mix of age and genders, and is about to complete his B Licence in Queensland.

“We are particularly excited to welcome Cameron to the Den, and recognise that he is an aspiring young coach who will make a very positive contribution to our WSL squad, and of course the younger players coming through” said Brian Downes, Club President.

“I can’t wait to get started; we have a long journey to go on, which will have highs and lows, but I can’t wait to take on this challenge. We have a young squad that has a very high ceiling, and I look forward in helping to develop these players in the right way! We want to play an exciting brand of football that will hopefully get people wanting to watch. We want to create an exciting high-performance environment program that players from all clubs are welcome to join, to strive for greatness”.

“My coaching journey has taken me to the mainland, and I want to thank those who have helped develop me. Most recently, Tom and those at Devonport. I can’t wait for this new challenge and see what we can achieve” said Heazlewood.

The Club expects to announce other WSL Coaching appointments soon.

Players interested in joining the program for season 2024 should complete the Female Program EOI to be received further details.

Cameron Heazlewood Media Release

Posted on October 12, 2023October 12, 2023 by klufc

Media Release – Lions WSL Head Coach Simon Edwards Steps Down

12 October 2023: Kingborough Lions United FC have announced that Simon Edwards, Head Coach of the Club’s Women’s High-Performance Program and WSL has stepped down as the Club prepares for the 2024 season.

Edwards, who was the architect Kingborough Lions United FC’s Women’s High- Performance Program twelve years ago has been instrumental in the development and growth in women’s football at the Club, with just under forty percent of the Club’s playing members being female. This number compares to twenty two percent nationally and around thirty percent across Tasmania.

“Simon’s contribution to women’s football in our Club has been enormous and cannot be under-stated” said Club President Brian Downes. “The leadership and inspiration Simon has provided to hundreds of players within our Women’s High-Performance Program over the past twelve years is immeasurable, and is the foundation upon which the Club is able to confidently continue to build for the future. We are very grateful to Simon and appreciate what he has achieved in service to the Club” Downes said.

“After dedicating several years of my life to the role, I have made the difficult decision to step down from the WSL coaching role at Kingborough Lions United FC. This decision has not been made lightly, and I feel it is important to share my reasons openly and honestly.

I am proud of the program we created together – which aimed at building belief in our female athletes; to value their contribution, build confidence and honour their aspirations. Working with such passionate individuals involved in the program over the years has been a privilege. Together we have celebrated successes, shared challenges, worked to improve the program, fought to improve equity, and endeavoured to collaboratively develop powerful and confident young people capable of making their mark on our communities in years to come. The bonds we’ve formed, and the growth we’ve achieved together, are something I will always hold dear.

Over the years, I have poured my heart and soul into this club, aiming to contribute to the growth and success of both the athletes, and the organisation as a whole. During my tenure, especially in the past 3 years, I have experienced challenges, having to absorb additional roles at the club during a time of extreme growth at the club) which have impacted my ability to deliver at the standard I expect of myself for the WSL program. Following the board’s NPL/WSL season review, the club has not indicated a way forward that includes me, at this point in time, and this has resulted in my resignation from the position.

I am immensely thankful for the lessons learned, the memories made, and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of our athletes. Each day, I have been inspired by the dedication and determination of those individuals in the team, and coaching staff, that aspired to be the best they could be and aspire to perform at the standard. Thank you to all of those who have supported me and the program over the last decade”

The Club will be calling for Expressions of Interest for the High-Performance and WSL Head Coach and Assistant Coach positions in the next several days.

END:

Simon-Edwards-Media-Release Download

Posted on August 14, 2023October 1, 2023 by klufc

Battle of Franklin Cup – Winners

Yesterday, was the inaugural “Battle of Franklin Cup”, a special “Safari Derby” to promote Prostate Cancer Awareness.
Below is the text from Rick Bennet’s Facebook page – Rick is a PC survivor and part of the cohort driving this venture that will now become locked into the NPL Calendar.

Sunday 13th of August will go down in history as the first-ever Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia Clarence Zebras FC Vs Kingborough Lions United Football Club Battle of Franklin raising awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer.

I want to thank Dean Young MP, David O’Byrne MP, Luke Edmunds MLC for Pembroke, Dean Winter MP for attending on the day and their contributions. I would also like to thank Julie Collins MP for her generous contribution. I would also like to thank Tristan of Penneyston Painting for making the cup a reality and the Tooze Family for creating the shield.

To both clubs and Football Tasmania for getting behind the event, well done. Congratulations to Kingborough United Lions who were far too strong on the day winning the first-ever Battle of Franklin 5 – 2. No doubt the Clarence Zebras will be eager to take the title from KULFC next season.

To everyone who donated to the raffle or contributed to the raffle and donations on the day, I thank you. Every dollar counts, however, every conversation regarding Prostate Cancer awareness counts even more. To my close friends and to, the committee and my friends in the community of our fantastic club Clarence Zebras, I can’t thank you enough. Brent Costelloe and Tim Paine of SEN Tassie Tubes and Woody Triple M Hobart WIN News Tasmania Nightly News 7 Tasmania for promoting and supporting the awareness of Prostate Cancer. To my fellow PC Battler Andrei Norris. We will have many years together watching this significant event grow.

Lastly, to my family Linda Bennett Mitch Bennett Alex Bennett, without your dedicated support, kindness, and encouragement for me to make this event happen, I don’t think I would have achieved it without you. The Battle of Franklin has been run and won with the significant winner being more awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. I look forward to Kingborough Lions United Football Club hosting the event in 2024.

Posted on January 18, 2023January 19, 2023 by klufc

Niki Moutsatsos relocates to The Den

Kingborough Lions United FC’s head WSL Coach, Simon Edwards is introducing new faces to the WSL squad in 2023, starting with Niki Moutsatsos.

Niki has been playing the “beautiful game” since she was 10 years old. Fortunately her family moved to Canada where she discovered a love for the game. Returning to Tassie, she continued to play; playing WSL with both South Hobart and Hobart Zebras.

I’m excited to start fresh at Kingborough in what will be a massive year for female football! The women are a very positive, supportive and driven bunch and I’m looking forward to playing alongside them in 2023. Can’t wait to see what we can get out of the season! shared Niki when asked about changing clubs.

Niki is vibrant and hardworking, traits which will serve Kingborough Lions United FC well. Her fresh and positive attitude will contribute greatly to the squad and is a perfect fit for the culture here at the Den. in her “off field life”, Niki is a Teacher’s Aide. She will start her “Masters of Teaching: focus on primary teaching” in 2023.

Welcome to the Den, Niki

Roar with the Pride!

Posted on December 2, 2022December 2, 2022 by klufc

Sports Trainer and First Aid Opportunities – Season 2023

Kingborough Lions United Football Club (KLUFC) are a football club based in Kingston playing in the top level of competition for women’s and men’s football in Tasmania.

KLUFC is looking for Sports Trainers to work with the WSL, WSL Development, NPL and NPL Development teams moving into the 2023 season. The Sports Trainers will be supported by the Sport & Exercise Medicine Coordinator, fellow Sports Trainers, allied health professionals, Strength & Conditioning Coach and Team Coaches.

The responsibility of the Sports Trainer will be to aid in the care and preparation for players prior, during and after training and matches. A first aid kit will be supplied by the club. Hours of attendance can vary, with an average of 13-14 hours per week available for each team.

Training days are currently Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings/Saturday for all three teams and are subject to change in January 2023 to include Tuesday & Thursdays for some teams. Hours of availability can vary and is also up to the Sports Trainer offering their services. Remuneration is open for further discussion and volunteer roles are also available.

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Greg Downes on 0483044620 or [email protected]

Posted on November 23, 2022December 20, 2022 by klufc

Men’s Southern Championship Coaching Team 2023

Southern Championship Men Coaching Team for 2023

Introducing Kingborough Lions United Football Club ’s new Championship coaching team – Mick Trotter, Jamie Howell and Andy Taylor.

Mick Trotter and Jamie Howell have had close connections to Kingborough Lions United FC for many years; Mick has many years of experience. Andy has played in NPL and Champ at the Lions for the last few years and will continue to play in Champ in Season 2023. Andy will be the Team Captain.
Championship sessions start Tuesday 29 November, 6.30pm at Calvin Christian School’s Sophia St Ground. Pre-Christmas sessions will be low key – primarily ball work and small-sided games.
Pre-Season will commence 3 Jan 2023 – Tuesdays & Thursdays.
If you’re interested, contact Mick Trotter, 0417 872 119, [email protected]