Lynn-Avon United is a community football club based in New Lynn. Set up in 1996, following the amalgamation of Lynndale AFC and Avondale United, the club has been promoting the joy of football ever since.
According to club Chairperson Cam Gray, Lynn-Avon has around 550 registered players of all ages and abilities. The men's premier team currently plays in the AFF/NFF Conference League. And there's plenty of footy for social players and up-and-coming youngsters from age four onwards.
Last season, the club offered free membership for female players to mark the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The initiative was so successful that the plan is to do the same again next season.
‘We are an all-inclusive club that continues to build trust and support within our community,’ advises Cam.
The club has some of the best facilities out West at Ken Maunder Park. All the playing and training fields are floodlit grass pitches and have been resurfaced in recent years. Furthermore, a state-of-the-art indoor training facility makes cold and wet winter training sessions a bit more bearable.
The club rooms overlook the playing fields and are a great spot to enjoy a post-match drink and a bite to eat.
Lynn-Avon may be a relatively small club, but it has big ambitions. The appointment of Mike Cain to the newly created role of Director of Football is driving a resurgence in player numbers. Mike’s remit includes coaching the senior men's team and developing the club's youth side. He's already made a significant impact, with the number of junior teams increasing by six last season.
According to Cam, Lynn-Avon aims to keep football affordable and accessible to the local community. Fees are kept as low as possible so more keen footballers can get involved. The appointment of a Director of Football was a considerable investment for the volunteer-led club. Lynn-Avon approached the Your West Support Fund for help and the funding of $4,347 made all the difference.
The Director of Football has big plans to expand the club’s offering and increase revenue with holiday programmes and summer football. The aim is to develop more young footballers into successful senior players and attract new members to take up the beautiful game.
Lynn-Avon is well on the way to achieving its game plan.
The new season kicks off in April. However, pre-season training starts in February. Now's the perfect time to get involved, whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-timer. Check out Lynn-Avon's website for all the details.