Two clubs facing contrasting challenges at opposite ends of Tasmania have been recognised for the value of their volunteers.
While North Launceston Eagles have played a pioneering role in bringing the world game to the North’s migrant communities, the state’s southernmost State League club Kingborough Lions have developed an impressive support structure.
With National Volunteers Week running from May 19-25, Football Tasmania has named both as club changers of the month.
Founded as a Polish club in the 1970s and originally based in Mowbray, NLE has been a home for players from diverse backgrounds, many hailing from Launceston’s Bhutanese, Sudanese, Afghan and Nepalese communities.
“We’ve always been one of the lowest socio-economic catchments in Tasmania and the majority of players on the team were immigrant refugees,” explained president Mark Dewsbury.
“The club has always been about supporting the community and those on the committee have had a similar social ethic so we really go out of our way to help those families and amazing kids to be able to participate. That goes from the coaches to the managers to the committee.
“Volunteering has always been a really amazing part of the club. It’s not unusual to have coaches driving from house to house to pick up players.”
A committee also including vice-president/junior president Evelyn Archer and treasurer Alicia Westergreen has shouldered most of the workload, frequently assisting registrations for people with limited English skills.
“Those of us on the committee were running everything because with the non-English speaking refugee nature of the players, most of their family are working and we often don’t see the parents,” Dewsbury added. “The committee is often quite small and works very hard to support those players.”
Although the senior club has ceased, the juniors have remained a constant, helping NLE become a frequent winner of the Northern Tasmanian Junior Soccer Association’s best club award.
With a junior registration of about 130-140, Eagles aim to field at least one team in every NTJSA age group and often combine with Prospect club Southern Raiders to field composite teams in tournaments.
They also run at least one Sunday social team each year.
Dewsbury said the club is proud of the valuable role it plays.
“People from other clubs have told us they cannot believe the family spirit of the Eagles,” he said. “Partly that is because we are a small club but also it’s because of our demographic. We’re about providing a space for people to play more than to win trophies.”
Kingborough Lions have more than 180 registered volunteers in roles including coaches, managers, committee members, coordinators and first aid personnel, which equates to about one for every four players.
President Brian Downes explained: "For the last few years as we’ve grown rapidly, we’ve been focusing on getting more volunteers involved to ensure contributing as a volunteer is sustainable. With over 750 players, our community understands that the club thrives when everyone contributes.
“We have been working hard to actively recognize the efforts of our volunteers, provide pathways to grow within the club and foster an inclusive environment.
“We know that people are more likely to stay involved when they know their time is respected and their contributions appreciated."
Role clarity, structured coordination and clear communication are key to the process and the volunteers are proud of their contribution.
“Volunteering is a way of giving back to the community,” parent and junior boys coordinator Kristy Pereira said.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our junior and youth players grow, not just as footballers, but as confident, respectful individuals off the field as well.
“We've made a conscious effort to decentralise volunteer roles, encouraging more people to take on smaller, manageable tasks. This team-based approach not only lightens the load for everyone but also strengthens our sense of community and shared purpose.”
Wayne Quinn volunteers as a coach for an under-11 team and the Skills Acquisition Program, and also runs the social men’s program.
“I want to give back to the game that has given me many years of enjoyment and memories and give them the opportunity I had so they too can find the love of the game,” he said. “I find that also helps me stay in touch and passionate about this great game.
“You can find me at most home games behind the bar now instead of in front of it. By doing just one little thing such as this, it makes the club run smoothly and as they say, many hands make light work.”
Women’s Super League player Lucy Page said being part of the club’s Youth Volunteer Program allows her to develop coaching skills under the guidance of a mentor.
“Working with the under-10 girls' team has been a lot of fun and a rewarding experience,” she said.
“It's amazing to see the girls progress as players and their passion for the game. Helping them develop while learning how to coach has taught me so much too. It's a great way to give back to the club and help female football grow. The program also counts towards my Duke of Edinburgh Award in learning a new skill.”
After being formed by a merger between Kingborough United and West Hobart Lions in 1998, the new club’s crest displayed two Lions to represent both original clubs while their motto “Sic Corda Lionum” translates as “Compete with the heart of a Lion”.
Downes said the club seeks to make football accessible and inclusive, with programs designed for all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
“We use football as a platform to build stronger social connections, promote wellbeing and support the broader Kingborough community,” he said.
“Through partnerships, outreach initiatives and events, we actively contribute to community life whether it’s developing local leadership through volunteering, encouraging young people to stay active and engaged, or creating safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.”
Vice-president Simon Edwards said, like other Tasmanian football clubs, Kingborough are constrained by access to high-quality facilities but are working with Kingborough Council and will soon open a new grandstand at Lightwood Park.
Downes added: "We’re very optimistic about the future. With growing membership, strong leadership, and plans for facility upgrades and development programs, Kingborough Lions United Football Club is well positioned to continue thriving and expanding our impact."