Craigieburn City FC, the first club in Victoria to be recognised as a 2 Star Club with Club Changer, have been working closely with Football Victoria's State Program Manager, Josephine La Pila, & Metro North Development Coordinator, Sophie Byrnes, over the past 12 months to excel in their women and girls in football programs and initiatives. Setting out to increase their participation for women and girls, and improve the experience for females to play football, Craigieburn City aimed to upskill & develop female coaches and referees, whilst wanting to create a stronger campaign to educate and promote on the club's vision for women and girls, and Safeguarding of their members.
"The club implemented safeguarding measures which built trust among parents, guardians, and the community" Joanne Dugo - Craigieburn City Secretary
As part of the program, Craigieburn City FC embedded running the GO Girls and Go Soccer Mums Program to encourage females in the community to play informal football in a safe, welcoming, and fun environment. The club worked hard to increase the number of female coaches and referees, engaging in Football Victoria's CCC Program, and having several youth players complete their Laws of the Game certificate. Increasing education, awareness, and accessibility to their members is a focus for Craigieburn City, this includes areas like female health and wellbeing, and diversity; the club establishing their first All Abilities Program to expand on this focus and increase their offerings to the community.
Craigieburn City FC invested their time to focus on scheduling training and match days for women and girls to have access to the main pitch to ensure the pitch was used fairly by all participants.
"Creating an inclusive environment for women and girls in soccer is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it promotes gender equality and provides equal opportunities for females to participate and excel in the sport. Secondly, fosters diversity, enriches the soccer community with a variety of perspectives, talents, and experiences" Joanne Dugo - Craigieburn City Secretary
The committee has had a 50/50 gender balance for season 2024, which has been a key aim for the club since collaborating with the Club Changer Program. With the success of delivering member sessions within the club they were successful in achieving an increase in women to take on a leadership role to support the clubs' overall operations.
"I am pleased to witness the clubs progress since the Club Changer - Club Development Program.
Craigieburn saw the real benefits the program offered and lead through demonstrating their achievements through the program and initiatives they have created within their club. The club is thriving, it shows a real opportunity feel when you enter Aston Reserve and that is what it is all about, a welcoming and inclusive environment.
I am proud of the Craigieburn City achievements; they deserve this recognition - the Club Changer National Club of the Month award" Josephine LaPila - Football Victoria Club Changer Program Manager
Congratulations Craigieburn City FC!
