By Guy Hazlewood
Richland Lions FC is gearing up to celebrate a momentous milestone in the club’s history.
Joe Morcus, a long-time member of the club, has been working tirelessly to organise a reunion for the club’s first-ever Under 11 all-girls soccer team, formed in 1995.
The 1995 Richland Lions FC under 11 all girl soccer team. Source: Joe Morcus
The reunion is scheduled to coincide with the club’s Junior Presentation Day on October 5, 2024.
“I’ve been with Lions FC for forty years,” Joe said.
“This reunion is something very special to me, as it brings back memories of a groundbreaking moment in the club’s history.”
The reunion aims to bring together members of the 1995 U/11 team to celebrate their legacy and their role in advancing women’s soccer at Lions FC.
Joe hopes to make the reunion an annual event, with 2025 marking the 30th anniversary of the team.
“We’re planning for the 1995 team to hand out trophies to the current U/11 players and take photos of both teams together,” Joe said.
“It’s a great way to bridge the generations and show how far we’ve come.”
Despite his efforts, Joe is still trying to contact seven of the original 15 players.
“I’ve reached out to eight of the team members, plus the coach and manager, who have all agreed to participate,” he said.
“But it’s been challenging to locate the remaining players, as many have changed their surnames over the years.”
The players he is still looking to contact include Michelle Strathdee, Tina Pozzi, Melissa Gray, Cassandra Jones, Kylie McMullen, Teresa Panasiuk, and Rachel Harrocks.
He remains optimistic that they will be found in time for the event.
“Regardless of how many team members we can contact, the reunion will go ahead,” he said.
Joe is extending an open invitation to the community to join the celebration on October 5.
“It’s not just about reminiscing,” he said.
“It’s about showing the younger players how important they are to the future of women’s soccer and how they can continue the legacy started in 1995.”
If you or someone you know was a part of the 1995 Under 11 girls Richland Lions FC team, contact Lions FC to be put in touch with Joe.
