A club motto of “We are United” has never sounded more apt as Launceston United achieves statewide recognition for its determination to embrace all-comers.
With an August theme of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), Football Tasmania has selected the Birch Avenue outfit as its Club Changer club of the month.
The honour acknowledges the wide-reaching efforts of a club which was officially established in 1958 but existed in the Northern Tasmanian British Football Association more than a century ago.
DEI is pivotal to United who have developed an action plan to embrace Northern Tasmania’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community.
Linette Venn, whose roles include secretary, registrar and Women’s Super League team manager, said the club is particularly proud of a partnership project with the Migrant Resource Centre called Women United.
“The aim of the program is to increase sports participation among women and girls from CALD backgrounds,” Venn said.
“Many of these females face barriers to getting involved in sport, whether it’s financial constraints, cultural expectations or simply not knowing how to start. This program provides practical support — like pre-season and ongoing clinics and scholarships to play.
“Sport is about more than just physical activity. It builds confidence, leadership skills and social connections. By creating a welcoming space for CALD women and girls, Women United is helping to foster a sense of belonging both on and off the field.”
With the backing of the MRC, the club offers eight scholarships to assist females to play. These have helped make the sport more inclusive and accessible to players in both junior and senior women’s programs.
“Working with the Migrant Resource Centre our club has become more aware of the barriers that the CALD community face in participating in sport, factors like financial costs — club fees, uniforms and equipment,” Venn explained.
“Females face cultural or social barriers, where sport hasn’t traditionally been encouraged. For many new arrivals, there’s also the challenge of not knowing how to get involved. They may not be familiar with how local clubs work or may feel intimidated joining an established team. Our partnership has helped bridge that gap by providing welcoming opportunities to try sports.”
This assistance includes come and try sessions and the opportunity for families to have a club volunteer assist with player registration.
Venn added: “The come and try clinics have been a highlight, seeing the enjoyment of the participants joining with our players to be part of the same community.”
The focus on inclusivity echoes the origins of a club whose blue and white colours and logo featuring a rampant blue lion reflect an early Scottish heritage.
Long represented in all regional competitions, United joined the Women’s Super League in 2021, winning a league and cup double a year later, and stepped up to the men’s statewide competition in 2023.
Image: Launceston United's Women United program, which welcomes women and girls from diverse cultural backgrounds. Picture supplied.