WSL - Kingborough Lions United FC

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 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 November 23, 2022November 23, 2022 by klufc

Danielle “DK” Kannegiesser & Laura Davis – back at the Den in 2023 !

Having secured the services of Simon Edwards as WSL Head Coach, Kingborough Lions United FC are equally delighted to announce that DK & Laura will continue in the Lions’ WSL program for 2023.

After an injury plagued season 2022, Laura has said “I have been a Lion for ever. Where else would I play – Lightwood Park is set to be a Base Camp for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the 3rd biggest sporting event on the planet! After this Season, I have plenty to prove. I’m fit. I’m well. I’m enjoying the pre-season. I’m ready to score goals for the Lions in 2023.”.

This will be DK’s 3rd season with the Lions, and she has some unfinished business here.

“I love this Club and I’m keen to contribute on the pitch, as well as off the pitch in supporting the coaching staff, for this to be Kingborough’s best WSL season yet. I came here on a mission and I’m still hungry to achieve that goal. I will be doing the Tasmanian Ironman in February, so fitness will not be an issue; a few tweaks to my game playing in a new role and I’ll be set to put in a winning performance,” DK commented.

With pre-season already started, contact Simon Edwards if you’re interested in joining the Senior Women’s Program at Kingborough Lions United FC – 0419 947 182.

Posted on November 22, 2022November 23, 2022 by klufc

Kingborough Lions United FC WSL Head Coach Appointment for Season 2023

Kingborough Lions United FC is thrilled to announce that Simon Edwards has been re-appointed as WSL Head Coach for Season 2023.

Simon will oversee the Female High Performance program at the Den. In this role he will continue to provide opportunities for talented players coming through the club’s female program and players looking to be part of a strongly supported female football environment.

In a year featuring the FIFA Women’s World Cup we’re looking to build participation in Female Football here at the Den. With the introduction of a U18s (WSL Development) League, the completion of 8 gender-neutral (female friendly) changerooms, upgrades to Clennett’s Lightwood Park to meet FIFA standards, there could not be a more exciting time to be a Lion.

On securing the WSL Head Coach role, Simon shared: “I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to lead KLUFC’s High Performance Women’s Program in the year that the FIFA Women’s World Cup is being played in Australia & NZ. I look forward to working closely with the club and coaching staff to ensure the success of our WSL, SCW and U18 teams in 2023. It is an exciting time to be involved in Female Football and the club – 2023 should see huge interest in Female football and it will be wonderful for our Women to experience the new FIFA standard Lightwood Park once upgrades are completed in February. “

Pre-season has commenced for WSL, SCW and U18 (WSL Development) groups. Players interested in joining the program for 2023 should contact Simon on 0419 947 182 or complete the player’s Expression of Interest Form .

Posted on November 13, 2022November 16, 2022 by klufc

Young Champ has a Commbank Matildas Experience

Eloise Paine took a short break from her intense football schedule, working with Sydney FC Academy staff in the High Performance football program at Endeavour Sports High School (an official Sydney FC Academy school in Sutherland Shire, Sydney), to have a full Matildas experience at the recent International friendly against Sweden.

Eloise has shown incredible dedication and reliance, having dealt with setbacks from a shock cancer diagnosis in November 2019, pushing through a year of Chemo and dedicating herself to continuing her football journey at the highest level. Eloise left the Den at the end of 2021 to pursue her football development full time in NSW under the watchful eye of Rae Dower.

The experience was made possible thanks to the Make a Wish Australia – and was originally intended for 2020 (COVID interruptions resulted in a 2 year wait for Eloise). Thanks to Make a Wish and the Commbank Matildas for inspiring our young athletes !!

Keep up the great work Eloise – Roar with the Pride !!!

Eloise and Sam Kerr
Eloise and Katrina Gorrie (and Harper!)
Eloise and Jada Whyman
Eloise and Lydia Williams
Eloise and Teagan Micah
Eloise and Katrina Gorry (Julie Dolan in BG)
Eloise and Commbank Matildas Pre-match

Posted on January 22, 2022March 13, 2022 by klufc

Talented Kingborough Trio Embrace New Football Opportunity

Kingborough Lions United Football Club congratulates Holly Bonertz-Benn, Eloise Paine and Kate Bonertz-Benn who have been successful in securing placements to pursue their football development interstate in 2022. All three of the ‘triplets’ have secured positions in full time football programs whilst they undertake their college studies.

Eloise will be working with Sydney FC Academy staff in the High Performance football program at Endeavour Sports High School (an official Sydney FC Academy school in Sutherland Shire, Sydney). She will be playing for Sydney University Soccer FC, (a Football NSW Women’s NPL 1 club in the U18 Girls Youth League 1 competition).

Eloise has shown incredible dedication and resliance, having dealt with setbacks from a shock cancer diagnosis in November 2019 and pushing through over 55 weeks of Chemo.

Holly and Kate have moved to Brisbane having been accepted into the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) NTC program for 2022 and the Kelvin Grove State High School football excellence program.

We feel like this is the best move for us with the overall goal of playing professional football and representing our nation. We are very thankful for Kingborough Lions and Football TAS, and all that these programs have done for us.
Holly and Kate

Kate, Eloise & Holly have been with the Lions since they were juniors (Kate and Holly coming to the Lions from the Cygnet Sea Dragons in 2016) and have worked through our SAP and Youth Academy programs where they have been recognised by being selected multiple times for Tasmanian teams.

In early 2021 Kate, Eloise and Holly were named in the extended Junior Matilda’s squad during a disappointing 2021 which saw football activities hampered by COVID.

The work ethic, belief and passion for the game that Holly, Kate and Eloise have continued to demonstrate has been, and continues to be, inspirational.
Simon Edwards – Technical Director KLUFC

We are proud to have had the opportunity provide the programs and environment to support these young women in their football development and wish them continued success on their way to fulfilling their football dreams. Roar with the Pride !