United after merger gets green light

Published 7:00am 27 September 2022

Words by Nick Crockford

Two clubs in the Moreton Bay Region are about to merge creating one of the biggest football clubs in Greater Brisbane.

From December 1, The Lakes FC and North Lakes Mustangs will become North Lakes United Football Club, based at Kinsellas Park.

Members gave the merger, which has taken three years, unanimous backing at special general meetings for both clubs, earlier this month.

First United event

The first North Lakes United FC event, the Summer Sixes, will kick-off in November at Kinsellas Park.

North Lakes State College and Aurora Boulevard Park fields will also be used next year when player numbers are estimated to reach 1400.

More information on the new club colours, badge, committee, possible changes to the website and social media pages will follow.

Both clubs have been feeder organisations for others in the region, but Mustangs President Tony Swifte, pictured with The Lakes President Brett Davenport, said North Lakes United was aiming to be a “destination for players and coaches”.

Mustangs President Tony Swifte, left with The Lakes President Brett Davenport

Community at core

“We are creating a club that will enable players to stay from three years to elite levels and into adult and over age teams, while remaining a community club at its core,” he said.

There will significant financial benefits for the bigger organisation when, for example, negotiating buying playing kits and seeking sponsorship.

The new club will also look to end duplication of committee or volunteer positions and have more volunteers doing in fewer hours.

Long history

North Lakes 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. Its teams were in the Football Queensland Metro leagues in 2022.

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 played in the final Brisbane Premier League in 2021.

This year The Lakes won the FQPL 3 Metro Men’s premiership and are promoted to FQPL 2 and the women were in FQPL 2 Women’s.