Club Changer, Football Australia's Club Development Program has awarded the 1 and/or 2 Star Status to 1,100 clubs! Recognised for their immense work in the Women & Girls football space, Safeguarding of Club Members, and a whole lot more, Club Changers are making waves when it comes to building sustainable community clubs.
Today, we are recognising the winners of the Club Changer, Club of the Year Award. Nominated from all over the country, two clubs-one from the metropolitan area and one from a regional location-stood out among numerous other outstanding nominees due to their unwavering commitment to making football more inclusive, accessible, and safe for both club members and the broader community.
Sunbury United Football Club (Metropolitan)
Sunbury United Football Club, from Victoria, has undergone significant transformation implementing initiatives to address gender inclusivity and expanding the club's female programs, leadership, and coaching.
In 2024, the club exceeded its goal of establishing more female teams, creating new opportunities for young girls to engage in football. Introducing the MiniTillies program provided an enjoyable introduction to football, while the establishment of a senior women's team created a vital pathway for players transitioning to senior levels. An increase in female mentorship and female coaches was also achieved by the club, aiding in creating clear developmental pathways. Additionally, hosting programs, events and celebrations enhanced community engagement, whilst Sunbury United FC has also updated their Fair Access Policy to ensure gender equality.
Club Development Program Manager, Josephine La Pila, and Club Development Officer, Sophie Byrnes, expressed "Football Victoria is proud of Sunbury United FC's achievements over the past 12 months, which reflect the positive impact of the Club Changer Program. Through their focus on community engagement and player development, the club has demonstrated how investing in women's and girls' football has contributed to their success. Sunbury United's progress highlights the benefits of inclusive, innovative strategies for growth and success, and has played a key role in their accomplishments, including winning this prestigious award."
Millthorpe Junior Soccer Club (Regional)
Millthorpe Junior Soccer Club, from regional New South Wales, are a small community club in a village of around 1300 people. Millthorpe Junior SC strategised to combat the challenge of dropout rates, and to promote female participation particularly among girls aged 11-15 years old, whilst also focusing on implementing strong safeguarding measures.
Over the past year, the club has implemented a comprehensive Women & Girls program, increasing female participation to 44%. Through the implementation of the "Girls Love Football" program, the club was able to attract new participants, provide skill training, game time, and community activities. The program also allowed for empowering club members by taking on leadership roles and coaching, and helped foster local partnerships. Additionally, to ensure safety, the club introduced a member protection policy, child-friendly complaint procedures, and adhered to NSW Child Safety Standards.
Football NSW Program Manager - Club Development, Trevor Huxley, was full of praise, "it is great to see Millthorpe continuing to foster female participation, especially in their junior girls age groups, whilst also providing pathways for new volunteers to join the club. To be awarded the Club Changer Regional Club of the year is fantastic acknowledgement of the clubs continued hard work."
Club Changers of the Year Experience
Sunbury United FC and Millthorpe Junior SC had an unforgettable experience during the CommBank Matildas v Chinese Taipei match at AAMI Park. Young players from both clubs proudly walked out as player mascots and participated in the Little Legends Lap around the stadium. The clubs were also recognised at half-time in front of over 25,000 fans, celebrating their contribution to football. To top it off, they enjoyed an exclusive visit to the Home of the Matildas, where they watched a recovery session and had a personal interaction with the players, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Recognition of our other Club Changers
Club Changer also recognises the additional Clubs that formed the top 10, five metropolitan and five regional/rural clubs, nominated for to their efforts and initiatives over the past 12 months. Their great work is embodied in a case studies booklet that you can access here or in the image below.
Congratulations to all 10 Clubs for their hard work and dedication to helping make football a better for all.
- ACU Football Club
- Daylesford & Hepburn United Soccer Club
- Epping Football Club
- Lochinvar Rovers Football Club
- Mandurah City Football Club
- Millthorpe Junior Soccer Club
- North Geelong Warriors Football Club
- Officer City Football Club
- Sunbury United Football Club
- Verdi Football Club
Additionally, we acknowledge and congratulate the clubs that made the Top 20 - read advice from these clubs in the case study linked above!
Congratulation to Sunbury United Football Club and Millthorpe Junior Football Club and thank you again to the 1,100 Club Changers who have contributed to showcasing the incredible impact football has on members and local communities.
Your club could be the next Club Changer Club of the Year!!
If your club is not part of the Club Changer Program yet, visit www.footballaustralia.com.au/clubchanger for more information, or send us an email to [email protected], and we will get in contact with you.
