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Equal on the Field

#breakthebias July 2023

With the FIFA Womens’ World Cup about to kick off, it is important that we make a statement about the state of Female Football and the work that needs to be done to promote gender equity in the world of football in Tasmania. Whilst we have made some progress with facilities and small steps in other areas, there is still a large gender equity gap in our state that needs to be bridged.

A unified symbol and campaign is needed to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a level playing field for in our beloved sport. We are looking to embrace the well established #BreakTheBias campaign established for International Womens’ Day in 2021, #EmbraceEquity campaign from 2022 – and the #EqualOnThe Field tags for the Tasmanian Football community.

Taking a stand on Gender Equity – we are seeking to foster inclusivity, representation, equitable rosters and competition structures and equal opportunities for footballers, coaches, volunteers and leaders regardless of gender. Together, we can kick gender bias out of the game and ensure that every aspiring athlete has the chance to shine on the field.

We are seeking support from all clubs, schools, associations and those involved in the World game as we look to be proactive in instigating change.

Key purpose of the campaign:

  • provide a platform to call-out and kick-out gender inequity.
  • advocate for gender equity in female competitions and rosters in Tasmania.
  • advocate for gender equity in female football pathways in Tasmania.
  • celebrate clubs that are embracing and demonstrating gender equity.
  • combat stereotypes and encourage positive representation of female athletes.
  • foster inclusive and positive language to develop confidence in young players to achieve their goals.
  • foster respect for footballers; female and male, celebrating their differences and commitment to the sport.
  • advocate for equal media coverage and recognition of women’s football.
  • encourage increased participation and investment in girls’ grassroots football programs.
  • advocate for equal resources for female footballers and programs.
  • foster partnerships with football clubs and associations to create opportunities for female players at all levels.

Join the movement, use the #BreakTheBias, #EmbraceEquity and #EqualOnTheField hashtags, and stand up for gender equity in football in Tasmania. Together, we can create a future where every individual, regardless of gender, has an equal chance to pursue their passion for the beautiful game. Let’s unite, celebrate diversity, and inspire the next generation of football stars. #BreakTheBias #EmbraceEquity #EqualOnTheField.

Kingborough Lions United FC will is arranging an open meeting/forum in early August and inviting Clubs and the broader football community to participate, so we would appreciate if you could please identify a person in your Club with whom we can coordinate the respective logistics and details around this first forum and ongoing information. If your Club is happy to be involved in this campaign, would you mind please forwarding the respective person’s details to our Club Secretary, Cathy James at [email protected] or of course they are welcome to contact Cathy directly.

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Become Part of the Kingborough Lions United Football Club Legacy

Seat Fundraiser legacy opportunity

With our new building and pitch redevelopment underway at Lightwood Park, we are also constructing a new grandstand which is expected to be completed by mid-2024. The grandstand will provide just under 1000 seats – some of which will be undercover (currently we have no undercover seating) and access to the facility and seating will be all-abilities friendly.

This is an opportunity to add a name of your choice to the development. Name of choice can be your own, a family member’s, a generic family e.g. The Brown Family, a memorial e.g. In Memory of [name], a business name. For a tax-deductible donation of $300 Kingborough Lions United FC will put a plaque with your choice of name on it, on a grandstand seat.

Your named plaque will be highly visible, so your donation will be remembered for many years to come. As recognition for your contribution, you will also receive an invitation to the Grand Opening of the venue, when we unveil your plaque. Additionally, you will be on the list of Legacy Donors on klufc.com.au and receive perpetual recognition.

Things to note;

  • Your donation does not entitle you to free entry to matches and this is not a reserved seat nor does it provide ownership of the seat.
  • This is a one-off payment and will not require renewal.
  • We will keep you updated on the progress of the development and the grandstand.
  • Opportunities to purchase a row, or bay with additional signage/recognitions are also available (If you are interested in exploring this, contact Jonathon Hess 0417 095 698)

Background:

Kingborough Lions United Football Club has over 700 members from juniors to elite teams – around 38% of our membership is female. We are an active football (soccer) club for 12 months of the year. We currently provide programs accessed by the broader community – Holiday Clinics, Gala Days, Skills (Coaching) Programs, Athlete Development (in partnership with the neighbouring High School).

Each year the club fields increasing numbers of enquiries for more programs – the population in Kingborough is increasing rapidly. We are not able to meet this new demand nor the current community demand due to inadequate facilities.

We have recently commenced an infrastructure project that includes 8 gender neutral changerooms with modern bathroom and shower facilities, new clubrooms & kiosk, and a function centre. Additionally, we have redeveloped our pitch to improve drainage and lighting with an eye to creating a unique boutique football destination. The 8 changerooms with Kit Room, Treatment Room and 3 Referees’ Rooms are now operational and the pitch will be ready to use on 1 July 2023.

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Play Football in Kingborough in 2023 !!

Play Football in Kingborough

Play Football in Kingborough ! Kingborough Lions United FC is seeking players to join us this season.

Membership Packages are now available on the store (link below) – before you purchase the online store membership, you need to complete the Play Football Registration with Football Australia (links are provided below)

For Junior Players Play Football (U5-U12)

For Youth and Senior Players Play Football (U13 and Older)

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Junior (U5-U12) Summer Holiday Clinics kicking off in Kingborough

Summer Holidays are here and Football Clinics will be returning in the New Year. Kingborough Lions United Football Club are offering full or half days of football activity.

Clinics start at 9.00am, drop off as early as 8.30am and finish at 3pm or 12pm (midday)

All boys & girls aged 5-12 years old are welcome to participate regardless of their skill level.
These clinics are focussed on having fun while developing football skills.

A lunch pack may also be purchased – sandwich or toastie, fruit, drink (fruit juice or water), snack (pizza shapes, muesli bar
The Kiosk will be open for the purchase of snacks (including lollies, crisps, chocolate bars) and drinks.

If you require further information, contact Cathy, 0458 291 156

Players require the below equipment for the clinics:

  • Football boots or solid joggers
  • Shin pads covered with football socks
  • A full water bottle
  • Positive attitude

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Official Notice – 2022 KLUFC AGM

KLUFC Memberships

OFFICIAL NOTICE AGM

Kingborough Lions United Football Club will be held Tuesday 17 January 2023 commencing 7:00pm at Lightwood Park Clubrooms, Lightwood Crescent, Kingston.

Business to be conducted includes:

  • Confirmation of Minutes of Previous AGM 18 January 2022
  • Adoption of Annual Report & Financial Statements
  • Election of Management Board
  • Appointment of Auditor
  • Ratification of Life Members

For further information contact Club President Brian Downes on 0448 377 713 or visit www.klufc.org.au

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Sports Trainer and First Aid Opportunities – Season 2023

Sports Trainers Wanted

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]

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

Danielle “DK” Kannegiesser & Laura Davis

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.

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Kingborough Lions United FC WSL Head Coach Appointment for Season 2023

Simon Edwards and Coaching Team

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 .

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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 !!!

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Lightwood Park Upgrades on Schedule for Season 2023

LP 2023 Upgrades From LP2

The Club is excited to advise that the Stage Two component of the Lightwood Park upgrades is nearing completion and will see an additional four changing rooms, three referees rooms and a medical room complete the lower level of the new building.

Stage 3 engineering is nearing completion and the club is exciting to see the work progressing thanks to the ongoing efforts of AKA Architects and Maveric Builders.

The completed Stage One includes four new changing rooms, which in addition to readying the venue to host some of the world’s best players, will also make Lightwood Park a much more female friendly venue for years to come. Pitch and lighting upgrades are also well underway to meet the FIFA WWC 2023 Base Camp requirements.