Local Sport

Clubs in merger talks

Published 12:47pm 15 January 2021

Words by Nick Crockford

North Lakes Mustangs and The Lakes FC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which may see them join forces in 2023.

A merger of the two North Lakes football clubs would create one of the biggest in Brisbane with more than 1200 players.

The clubs are neighbours at Kinsellas Sports Complex, off Innovation Place and both play in the Football Brisbane competitions.

Aiming high

However, Mustangs and The Lakes are working with Moreton Bay Regional Council on upgrades of the Kinsellas grounds to meet requirements of playing at higher levels.

It would position the new club for higher levels such as the state’s National Premier League (NPL), the second tier Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) and Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) program, while catering for players of all ages and abilities in community teams.

“This MOU is an exciting step forward for both clubs, and for football in North Lakes,” says Mustangs’ President Tony Swifte.

Mustangs' Will Sparks and Emily Hind, from The Lakes, get in some pre-season training.

Future pathway

“We have always been recognised as a strong junior club and combining that with The Lakes will provide a pathway for our players well into the future.”

The Lakes’ President Clint Castle believes the merger makes “complete sense”.

“We are very excited to enter into this agreement with the North Lakes Mustangs,” he says.

“It makes complete sense, with both clubs having a shared vision to deliver an inclusive football program, benefitting North Lakes and the broader football community.”

Emily Hind, from The Lakes and Will Sparks, of Mustangs - the two North Lakes clubs may merge.

Premier place

The Mustangs started in 2006, and after a long history in church football, joined the Football Brisbane ranks in 2019.

Mustangs picked up its first Football Brisbane premiership in 2020 thanks to its Under 12 Division 1 team. Mustangs’ senior men’s team is in Capital League 3 this season.

The Lakes FC was founded in 2010 and has had great success through its senior programs, winning the Brisbane Women’s Premier League in 2019, and back-to-back promotions for the men’s team, which will play in the Brisbane Premier League in 2021.

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