Lions FC also formerly known as Queensland Lions Football Club, is a semi professional soccer club based in Brisbane, Australia. Founded in 1957 as Hollandia Inala Soccer Club, the club currently competes in the National Premier Leagues Queensland. They also as invitee in Australian Championship after winning as premiers in 2026 NPL QLD season. The team also have men and women sides for competing in Brisbane Metro League (Division 1-5) and also Queensland Master Football where they have teams from Division 1-9.
History
The club was founded in 1957 as Hollandia-Inala Soccer Club by Dutch immigrants. From the start they were based at grounds in the Brisbane suburb of Darra and then moved to Pine Road, Richlands, where they play today. In the early 1970s, all clubs were required to abandon 'ethnic' names and they then adopted the name Brisbane Lions.
In 1977 they were invited to play in the National Soccer League and played in the league as Brisbane Lions until the end of the 1988 season. Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend George Best made four appearances for the team during the 1983/84 season. Notable players around this time include: Bob Latchford from Everton in 1981, Col Bennett, Jim Hermiston, Ron Millman, Nigel Lowndes, Steve Jackson, Danny Wright, Steve Hogg, Alan Niven, Russell Stewart. From 1989 the Brisbane Lions played in the Brisbane Premier League. After coming to an agreement with the newly formed Brisbane Lions AFL club, they changed their name to the current Queensland Lions.
In 2004 it was announced that the Lions had won the right to compete in the newly formed A-League. Operating as Queensland Roar the club was once again represented in an Australian national league.
Re-formation Subsequent changes to the ownership structure of the Roar allowed the Queensland Lions to re-enter the Brisbane competition in Premier Division 1 in 2008.
In 2012, Lions FC was accepted into the inaugural 2013 Brisbane Premier League, the top local competition in the Brisbane region. In 2016, the club went back-to-back claiming the premiership and Grand Final.
When the National Premier Leagues Queensland expanded in 2018, Lions FC were one of the clubs to join the competition. In its first season in the NPLQ, Lions won the league and grand final double. In 2019, the club followed it up with a back-to-back premiership, winning the league with 2 games to spare. However, in the finals series, Lions went down 2–1 to Olympic FC in the semi-final.
Current squad
Youth
Players who have been featured in a first-team matchday squad for Lions in a competitive match
Masters
Lions FC also have a Masters football program competing in Queensland Master Football (QMF), offering competitive and social opportunities for experienced players. The program includes Over 35s and Over 45s teams, with multiple divisions from Division 1 to 9 to suit different levels of ability. Division 1 is the most competitive of the divisions as it contains many ex professional/semi professional, A-League, NPL, FQPL1/2 and as well as former Brisbane Premier League players.
Club officials
Technical staff Position Name Head coach Dan BarberTechnical Director Gabriel Hawash
Honours National Premier Leagues Queensland **Premiers 2022, 2026 National Premier Leagues Queensland **Champions 2018, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025, 2026 Brisbane Premier League Premiers 1968, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1996, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2013, 2015, 2016; Champions 1967, 1969, 1987, 1991, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2016, 2017 Kappa Queensland Cup – Winner 2026 Queensland State Cup – Winner 2004 Brisbane Premier Cup – Winner 2002, 2003 Canale Cup – Winner 2012, 2015
References
External links
OZ Football profile