On ANZAC Day, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice and spirit of those who have served, and continue to serve, our nation.
For Adelaide United’s NPL program, that spirit is embodied by goalkeeper coach Lee Addison, whose contribution stretches well beyond the training pitch.
Beginning this season as NPL Goalkeeping Coach, Addison has quickly made an impact within the club, bringing leadership, discipline and a unique perspective shaped by his military career. But long before joining Adelaide United, Addison’s service journey was already well established.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Addison served as a soldier before moving to Australia in 2018. In 2023, he was commissioned into the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps (RAAMC), and has been posted in Adelaide since the beginning of 2024.
Today, he serves as Second-in-Command of a surgical company within the 3rd Health Battalion, based at Edinburgh and Keswick. His role sees him helping run the hospital element of the Australian Army, including contributing to emerging frontline surgical hospital capabilities designed to support soldiers in operational environments.
It’s a demanding role, but one Addison balances alongside a deep passion for football.
His influence in the game extends beyond Adelaide United. He is also the Australian Defence Force Head Goalkeeping Coach and Head Coach of the Army Football senior squad, leading teams at national championships in Sydney, representing the ADF in fixtures including the Legends Game at Coopers Stadium, and even coaching on overseas tours.
For Addison, the connection between football and military life is clear.
“Camaraderie, teamwork, preparation and shared purpose: they’re all things that exist in both environments,” he said.
“Whether you’re preparing a squad for competition or working within a defence unit, everyone has the same aim: to perform at their best, support each other and strive to win.”
Those values have seamlessly translated into his coaching at Adelaide United.
Addison believes his military background enhances what he can offer players, particularly in the standards and habits required to reach elite levels.
“The ADF has been incredibly supportive of my coaching with Adelaide United, and the transition between a professional football environment and defence is very natural,” he said.
“A lot of what we’re taught in the military like discipline, fundamentals, resilience applies directly to coaching. Those basics are often what help players reach the next level.”
That crossover has also been recognised by the Defence Force, with Addison recently awarded ‘Elite Status’, which is one of the highest sporting recognitions within the ADF. Only around 30 to 40 personnel have achieved the honour, with Addison crediting his work in football, including with Adelaide United, as part of that achievement.
It is a remarkable reflection of a person excelling in two demanding worlds — serving his country while helping develop the next generation of footballers.
On ANZAC Day, stories like Addison’s are a powerful reminder that the ANZAC spirit is not only remembered, but lived.
