Peter Johannas Mies leaves behind an extraordinary 64 continuous years of active involvement in Tasmanian football.
He was born in 1936 in Neerbeek, Netherlands and arrived in Tasmania in 1960. He signed for Launceston Juventus and continued to play at the highest level until he turned 44.
A talented footballer, he eventually became captain-coach, before his contributions evolved into leadership roles that included committee member, President, Life Member, and ultimately club Patron.
He was instrumental in securing the home ground at Prospect in 1978 in partnership with the Australian Italian Club. He even put up his own family home as collateral to purchase the site!
He first represented the State in 1964 against Victoria in the Australia Cup. Peter was also a constant selection in the Northern Association Rep’ teams in the seventies. His son Roger and grandson Noah also went on to represent the State, becoming the first and only footballing family to this day in Tasmania to claim the honour of having three generations representing Tasmania at the highest level.
Peter was a stalwart of not just Launceston City FC, but of football in Tasmania. Even in the final days before his sudden passing in 2024, current officials, coaches, and board members regularly sought his counsel, a testament to the immense respect and trust he inspired.
He was also responsible for bringing to Tasmania some noteworthy talent including Peter Savill , Peter Sawdon, and Ernie and Colin Guest, helping to raise the standard of the game across the State.
Launceston City names the annual “Peter Mies Rising Star Award” (both male and female) in his honour, along with the new Peter Mies Pavilion at Prospect Park in 2024.