One club, one vision: Brighton and Karana join to create sporting powerhouse

A Tasmanian footy and netball club have combined to launch the state’s newest organisation. Here’s the thinking behind the move.

SFL President David O’Byrne, Netball Tasmania CEO Mitchell Coulson, Brighton Football Club Darren Clark, Karana Netball Club President Libby Morman. Picture: Netball Tasmania

Two major local sporting organisations have joined forces, with the Brighton Football Club and Karana Netball Club officially merging to create the Brighton Robins Sports Club Inc.

The new entity aims to strengthen community ties and provide a complete sporting pathway for both football and netball players across all age groups in the Brighton and Southern Midlands region.

Brighton president Darren Clark said the announcement comes after a lot of hard work from members and volunteers.

Brighton Football Club Darren Clark and Karana Netball Club President Libby Morman at the merging of the two clubs to announce the new Brighton Sports Club Inc. Picture: Netball Tasmania

“We have come a long way in four years, but our job is not finished yet,” Clark said.

“The club — and more importantly, the Brighton community — is growing, and we want to be known as the biggest and best sporting club in Tasmania.”

Clark highlighted that the unification completes a full development pathway for both boys and girls, from junior levels through to senior football and elite state netball, all within the same club.

The decision to merge was driven by a shared vision of promoting sports participation across diverse demographics and creating a more inclusive sporting environment.

Karana Netball Club president Libby Morman said the move represents a significant opportunity for the future of netball in the region.

“Providing pathways for players, coaches and officials from junior netball through to the elite state league level, from within the Brighton community, will make continuing to participate in netball accessible to so many more people,” she said.

Morman noted that as Karana celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, joining the Brighton Robins Sports Club lays the foundation for success for the next 60 years.

The formation of the Brighton Robins Sports Club Inc. is intended to boost participation across all levels of sport, promote inclusivity, and foster a strong community spirit.

Originally published as One club, one vision: Brighton and Karana join to create sporting powerhouse