Northern Rangers...from small beginnings to league champions

Photos (Top to Bottom), [courtesy of Brendan Lichtendonk]: Rangers' under-16s in 1996; Thataetsile Kakadumane; Luke Connors: Derek Schipper; Derek Schipper takes on Metro's John McIntyre in 2000; Brad Langerak

Northern Rangers’ Forestry Tasmania Northern Premier League title win was the first in the club’s history.
Rangers were formed in 1996 as an under-16 side in the Northern Tasmania Junior Soccer Association competition and the Northern Tasmanian Christian Soccer League.
They were known as NTCSL Rangers.
In 1999, the club formed a senior side known as Northern Rangers, with headquarters at the NTCA Ground and with David Hughes as president and coach.
Rangers’ first Northern Premier League game resulted in a 14-2 loss to Launceston at Birch Avenue.
Three players who played in that first season in the top flight are still playing today.

They are Luke Connors, Derek Schipper and Brad Langerak.

Brendan Lichtendonk and Mark Ackerly have served on the committee from that time until now.

Ackerly is the current president.

Roslan Saad was appointed senior coach this season after taking the under-18s to a mid-table position last season.

Rangers have played 205 games all up in the top flight, including cup games, and have won 76, drawn 29 and lost 100 matches.

Saad is returning to Singapore in December and the club is on the lookout for a new senior coach.

A minimum qualification of the Senior Licence, or equivalent, is required for this role, to comply with the regulations set out by the governing body, Football Federation Tasmania.

This role will require the successful applicant to plan, run and oversee training twice a week, have major input in reserve and senior selection, work closely with their assistant and attend all senior and reserve grade competitive matches.

The successful applicants should understand the importance of good communication with each individual within the club including the senior/assistant coach, under-18 coach, the players with whom they are responsible, and with the club’s executive committee.

Applicants should also have a youth focus, helping the club develop and promote the young players of tomorrow.

Northern Rangers also extend an invitation to interested persons for the role of 2010 senior assistant coach.

This role will require the successful applicant to plan, run and oversee training at least six times a month, have major input in reserve and senior selection, work closely with the senior coach and attend all senior and reserve grade competitive matches.

Coaching experience at a senior level would be an advantage, but is not a requirement.

Both roles will carry a modest remuneration package, negotiated with the successful applicant and reflective of the club’s position in an amateur league.

Applications can be forwarded to:

The Chairman of Northern Rangers FC via Email at mark.ackerly@veolia.com.au, or by post to PO Box 412, George Town 7253.