By Ron Lane
When one looks at the facts and figures from the Noosa Lions Football Club, the unwritten bottom line would have to be, that this club is definitely in good hands. Information provided, tells us that with 700+ playing members, 58 teams (ranging from u/6s to o/35s) and a staff of some 90 coaches, this makes the Noosa Lions the highest populated soccer club on the Sunshine Coast.
Perhaps the most encouraging factor is that the teams for kids start at u/ 6 and for with a good coaching panel in place, this structure is certain to bring success in the future.
Since November 2012, the club has operated out of the Girraween Sports Complex which is situated on Eenie Creek Road Noosa Heads. Established in 1973 the clubs aim is to “Offer all comers an opportunity to play football in a safe and friendly environment and the two pathways on offer, for our junior players, are elite and community based programs.” Since 2015 the club has, under the Presidency of Alinda Bryant doubled in player membership.
The 2018 season was indeed a season for the clubs history books. Under current Head Coach (and Technical Director of Coaching) Kevin A’Herne-Evans last season saw the Lions go undefeated in the Premier Men’s Division, with 19 wins from 20 games( the one out being a 2 all draw);thus claiming the Premiership and Grand Final. So far this season they have played 8 games for 6 wins and 2 draws; this gives them 25 wins and 3 draws from their last 28 games.
In the Premier Women’s Division Head Coach is Dani Bishop-Klyne and this squad boasts of having the highest number of female participants on the Sunshine Coast. They also pride themselves with, “Giving opportunity to young local players that aspire to play at the highest level possible.” Definitely a club on the move.
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A sport that has really taken hold is the Ocean Swims. These are conducted for both men and women over longer courses than the usual short course surf club carnival swims.
On Sunday as part of Runaway Noosa Marathon Festivities, Noosa was the scene of a 3.8 kl and 2kl swims as well as the shorter distances of 1kl and 500mt. And once again the both the 3.8 and the 2kl. events for men were won by Nick Sloman and in the womens division the winner was Kareena Lee. “Conditions were very flat so it was swim all the way,” said Sloman.
Both, trained by legendary swim coach John Rogers, are members of the Noosa Surf club and are presently in training for the Open Sea World Championships to be held in South Korea in July; the distance will be 10kl. We wish coach and swimmers all the very best.
The water safety for these events was conducted by members of the Mudjimba and Noosa Surf Clubs: using both rescue boards and IRBs: with some 30 members on patrol, all aspects of safety were covered. Well done to all concerned and a big pat on the back to Tourism Noosa. Sport brings people to our town.
Despite the inclement weather the rebuilding of the Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club is progressing as planned. ‘’All being well this Friday we will have our first pour of the foundations,” said Building Committee Chairman Warick Redwood, “So we are hoping the weather holds.” On Monday, the club held its Annual Sponsors Breakfast at Peregian Springs thus giving the club the opportunity to express their sincere thanks for their outstanding support during the 2018/19 season.
