Football Australia and Football Queensland Celebrate Narangba Eagles Football Club as Club Changer, Club of the Month
Narangba Eagles Football Club has been recognised as the Club Changer, Club of the Month for their exceptional commitment to inclusivity, community building, and the development of female participation pathways. With a proud history of proactive club management, Narangba Eagles continue to inspire with their innovative programs and dedication to Football Australia's Our Legacy 23 strategy.
Building Pathways and Programs for All
The Eagles' journey with the Club Changer program began with Football Australia's initiative to boost female participation in football. Narangba Eagles embraced this opportunity, becoming the first club in Queensland to achieve a 2-Star status. The club used this as a foundation to develop strategies aimed at creating pathways for women and girls in football, underpinned by their inspiring motto, #EaglesAsOne.
"Our mission has always been to unite players, coaches, and the community. #EaglesAsOne isn't just a motto-it's a guiding principle that fosters inclusivity and collaboration." - Karen Steen, Women's Football Coordinator
The club identified a gap in their female player pathways for ages 13 to 18 and took action through the introduction of their FQPLW team. This provided young players with senior mentors and role models while establishing a clear trajectory for development. To further engage younger players, the club ensured the senior women's team actively participated in Coles MiniRoos sessions, school programs, and home game events.
In 2023, Narangba Eagles capitalised on the excitement following the FIFA Women's World Cup by launching a five-week Come and Try program. Targeting potential players of all genders, the initiative was spearheaded by their senior women's team. With structured coaching sessions led by senior players, the program attracted over 80 participants and achieved a remarkable 64% conversion rate to registered players for the 2024 season.
This success saw the club expand its all-girls Coles MiniRoos teams from six to ten, while also increasing overall player numbers by 35% to surpass 1,000 members in 2024.
The Eagles also tackled the challenge of referee shortages. By running Football Queensland-supported referee courses, the club increased their pool of referees by 35% in 2024, with a dedicated Referee Coordinator ensuring ongoing support and mentorship. Praised for their professionalism, the Eagles' referees are now celebrated as integral members of the club.
A Model for Sustainability
"Using the Club Changer platform, we were able to use templates and guides; and the platform even asked questions that you hadn't actually thought about before, so it gave us a really good understanding of what we needed to do to get the club to the next level." - Karen Steen, Women's Football Coordinator
From innovative coaching approaches to fostering a supportive environment, the Narangba Eagles have implemented Football Australia's resources to ensure their projects are sustainable. Coaches for girls' teams now emphasize fun, teamwork, and mutual support, creating a strong community spirit. By sharing ideas and fostering collaboration, the club has built a robust framework for retention and growth.
As Narangba Eagles continue to embody the values of the Club Changer program, they remain committed to shaping the future of football in Queensland. Their dedication to inclusivity and excellence serves as a benchmark for clubs nationwide.
Congratulations, Narangba Eagles Football Club!
Your club could be the next Club Changer Club of the Month. Learn more at www.footballaustralia.com.au/clubchanger
