Football Australia organised a series of webinars aimed at educating and empowering volunteers. These webinars covered a range of topics, including:

• Volunteer Management: Best practices for recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers.
• Coaching and Refereeing: Training sessions for new and existing coaches and referees to improve their skills and knowledge.
• Club Administration: Guidance on effective club management, including financial management, governance, and compliance.

These webinars were designed to be accessible to all volunteers, providing them with the flexibility to participate from anywhere in the country.

A key part of Football Australia’s Club Changer, Club Development Program, the National Volunteer Focus Group worked to deliver Football Australia's volunteer support strategy. Effectively delivering resources and tools to the National Club Development Network of over 1,000 clubs.

Football Australia’s Volunteer Support Strategy focuses on four strategic themes:

• Celebrate: Recognising and celebrating the contributions of volunteers through awards and public acknowledgments.
• Empower: Providing training and development opportunities to enhance the skills of volunteers.
• Reimagine: Innovating volunteer roles and creating new opportunities for engagement.
• Innovate: Implementing new technologies and practices to streamline volunteer management.

During National Volunteer Week, held from May 20th to 26th, Football Australia celebrated the contributions of volunteers with a series of events and activities. This included:

• Recognition Events: Club Changers supported through the Focus Group celebrated their volunteers, with an online social media tool kit, The kit was designed through the National Volunteer Focus Group
• Social Media Campaigns: National Volunteer Resources, Highlighting the stories of individual volunteers and their impact on the football community, Football Australia celebrated the Focus Group in an online post with all 28 clubs represented.

Football Australia continued to invest in youth leadership programs, encouraging young people to take on volunteer roles. In 2024, Football Australia consulted with a number of Focus Group clubs to implement a youth volunteer program called “Step Up”. This program is in the consultation phase and will launch in 2025 with selected clubs, the program will aim to provide a 12-month development program for young leaders, equipping them with the skills needed to contribute effectively to their clubs.

Impact on Grassroots Football Clubs

The initiatives led by the National Volunteer Focus Group had a significant impact on grassroots football clubs:

• Increased Volunteer Engagement: The webinars and training programs helped clubs attract and retain more volunteers by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge and resources.
• Enhanced Club Operations: The Club Changer program and club administration webinars improved the efficiency and effectiveness of club operations, allowing clubs to focus more on player development and community engagement.
• Recognition and Motivation: The recognition events and social media campaigns during National Volunteer Week boosted volunteer morale and motivation, fostering a sense of community and appreciation.

The North Geelong Warriors Football Club, based in Lara, Victoria, competes in the National Premier Leagues Victoria. Established in 1967, the club has a rich history and a strong community presence. The Warriors rely heavily on volunteers for match day operations, coaching, and administration. They support their volunteers through training programs and regular appreciation events. 

The club is also involved with Football Australia’s National Volunteer Focus Group, which helps them stay updated on best practices for volunteer management and engagement. North Geelong Warriors FC provides training for their volunteers, particularly those involved in coaching and match day operations. They offer workshops and training sessions to help volunteers understand their roles and responsibilities, ensuring they can contribute effectively to the club.

North Geelong Warriors FC regularly acknowledges their volunteers through various appreciation events. They host end-of-season gatherings where volunteers are recognised for their contributions. Additionally, they have special match day events where volunteers are given shout-outs and small tokens of appreciation.

They heavily rely on volunteers to manage various aspects of the club, from match day operations to coaching and administration. The club fosters a professional culture grounded in fairness, safety, responsibility, respect, and integrity, ensuring volunteers feel valued and supported.

Launceston City Football Club, located in Prospect Vale, Tasmania, is a prominent club in the National Premier Leagues Tasmania. Founded in 1957, the club has a long-standing tradition of excellence and community involvement. 

Launceston City offers comprehensive training for volunteers, including coaching courses and first aid training. They celebrate their volunteers during National Volunteer Week and at their annual awards night. The club actively participates in Football Australia’s National Volunteer Focus Group to enhance their volunteer programs and ensure they provide the best support possible.

Launceston City FC offers comprehensive training programs for their volunteers. This includes coaching courses, first aid training, and administrative support workshops. The club is committed to developing the skills of its volunteers, and providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in their roles.

Launceston City FC celebrates their volunteers during National Volunteer Week with special events and recognition ceremonies. They also hold an annual awards night where volunteers are honoured for their dedication and hard work throughout the season, Launceston City offers a comprehensive development pathway from junior to senior levels, with a strong focus on youth development. The club relies on volunteers for roles such as coaching, team management, and canteen operations. They provide training and support to ensure volunteers can contribute effectively and feel appreciated.

Kissing Point Sports Club, based in Turramurra, New South Wales, is a well-established club in the Ku-Ring-Gai District. Known for its vibrant community and competitive teams, the club relies on volunteers for various roles, from coaching to event management. They offer pre-season training courses and ongoing development opportunities for their volunteers. Kissing Point SC also participates in Football Australia’s National Volunteer Focus Group, which helps them implement effective volunteer management strategies and recognize their volunteers' contributions.

Kissing Point SC supports their volunteers through pre-season training courses and ongoing development opportunities. They provide specific training for coaches and team managers, ensuring they are equipped to handle their responsibilities. The club also offers resources and support for volunteers involved in other areas, such as event management and canteen operations.

Kissing Point SC takes part in National Volunteer Week, using this time to thank their volunteers through social media shout-outs and special events. They also have a tradition of hosting a volunteer appreciation day at the end of the season, where volunteers are treated to a day of fun activities and recognition.

Volunteers are the backbone of Kissing Point SC, helping with everything from organising events to managing teams. The club recognizes the importance of volunteers and regularly acknowledges their contributions through various appreciation events and initiatives.

Lochinvar Rovers Football Club, located in Maitland, New South Wales, was founded in 1975 by three local families. The club has grown significantly over the years, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for players of all ages and abilities. Volunteers are crucial to the club's operations, and they are supported through regular training sessions and appreciation events. Lochinvar Rovers is involved with Football Australia’s National Volunteer Focus Group, which provides them with resources and guidance to improve their volunteer programs.

Lochinvar Rovers FC offers training programs for their volunteers, focusing on coaching, refereeing, and club administration. They provide regular workshops and training sessions to help volunteers develop their skills and stay updated with the latest practices in football management

Lochinvar Rovers FC has a strong tradition of recognising their volunteers. They hold regular appreciation events, including a special "Volunteer of the Week" program during the season. This program highlights the efforts of individual volunteers on their social media platforms and at club events.

The club has grown significantly over the years, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for players of all ages and abilities. Volunteers play a crucial role in the club's operations, from coaching to canteen management. The Rovers support their volunteers by providing necessary training and creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels part of the community.

Mandurah City Football Club, based in Halls Head, Western Australia, was established in 1970. The club competes in various leagues and has a strong presence in the Peel Region. Known as the "Dolphins," Mandurah City supports their volunteers through training programs and recognition initiatives. They host an annual volunteer appreciation event and participate in the City of Mandurah Sports Awards. The club is also engaged with Football Australia’s National Volunteer Focus Group, which helps them enhance their volunteer management practices and ensure their volunteers feel valued.

Mandurah City FC, through the City of Mandurah's Club Connect program, offers a range of training opportunities for volunteers. This includes workshops on volunteer management, grant writing, and club administration. The club also provides specific training for coaches and team managers to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles.

Mandurah City FC hosts an annual volunteer appreciation event where they recognize the hard work and dedication of their volunteers. This event includes awards and acknowledgments from the club's leadership. They also participate in the City of Mandurah Sports Awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions from volunteers across the community.

Mandurah City is committed to developing players, coaches, and community members through its inclusive and supportive environment. Volunteers are essential to the club's success, and Mandurah City ensures they are well-supported through training programs and recognition initiatives. The club's strong values of respect, inclusivity, and teamwork are reflected in how they treat their volunteers. 

The National Volunteer Focus Group clubs should aim to support and celebrate the contributions of volunteers within the football community. The program is open to all clubs associated with Football Australia and focuses on fostering a culture of volunteerism through structured learning and development 

1. Webinar Attendance: Clubs will need to attend at least 75% of the scheduled webinars. These webinars will cover various topics, including volunteer management, community engagement, and best practices in club operations.
2. Club Changer Status: Clubs must have achieved the Club Changer 1 Star Status, at least. This status is awarded based on criteria such as volunteer engagement, community impact, and adherence to Football Australia’s standards.
3. Progression to 2-Star Status: Clubs should aim to achieve 2-Star Club Changer status. This involves meeting additional benchmarks in volunteer management and community initiatives, demonstrating a higher level of commitment and impact.

The program will kick off with a mandatory introduction webinar on December 2024. This session will provide an overview of the program, its objectives, and the expectations for participating clubs. Following this, 4 additional webinars will be hosted by club champions, each focusing on a specific aspect of volunteer management:

1. Volunteer Club Planning: Guidance on developing comprehensive plans for volunteer engagement and management.

2. Volunteer Recruitment and Onboarding: Strategies for attracting new volunteers and effectively integrating them into the club.

3. Volunteer Guidance and Recognition: Best practices for providing ongoing support and recognising the contributions of volunteers.

4. Volunteer Retention and Member Surveys: Techniques for retaining volunteers and using member feedback to improve volunteer programs.

To support their development, clubs will be tasked with completing additional modules in the Australian Sports Commission’s Game Plan platform to support the growth and engagement with volunteers and members. These modules are designed to help clubs assess and improve their operations across various key areas. The modules include:

1. Governance: Focuses on the structures, policies, and processes that ensure the club is effectively managed and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.
2. Strategy: Helps clubs develop and implement strategic plans that align with their long-term goals and objectives.
3. Finance: Covers financial management practices, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, to ensure the club's financial health.
4. Workforce: Addresses the recruitment, retention, and development of volunteers and staff, ensuring the club has the necessary human resources to operate effectively.
5. Community Engagement: Strategies for building strong relationships with the local community and stakeholders, enhancing the club's visibility and support.
6. Facilities and Infrastructure: Guidance on managing and maintaining club facilities and infrastructure to provide a safe and welcoming environment for members.
7. Marketing and Communications: Techniques for promoting the club, engaging with members, and effectively communicating with stakeholders.
8. Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks to ensure the club operates safely and sustainably.
9. Member Services: Enhancing the experience for club members through effective service delivery and engagement.
10. Events and Competitions: Planning and managing events and competitions to ensure they run smoothly and meet the needs of participants.
11. Inclusion and Diversity: Promoting an inclusive and diverse environment within the club, ensuring all members feel welcome and valued.
12. Sustainability: Implementing practices that promote environmental sustainability and reduce the club's ecological footprint.
13. Technology and Innovation: Leveraging technology to improve club operations and stay ahead of industry trends.

Webinars and Workshops: Regular online sessions will provide clubs with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their volunteer programs. Topics will range from recruitment and retention strategies to recognising and rewarding volunteers.

Resource Library: Access to a comprehensive library of resources, including templates, guides, and case studies, to help clubs implement effective volunteer programs.

Mentorship and Support: Clubs will have the opportunity to receive mentorship from experienced club leaders and Football Australia’s staff. This support will be crucial in helping clubs navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

Recognition and Awards: Clubs that excel in their volunteer programs will be recognised through various awards and public acknowledgments, fostering a sense of pride and motivation within the community.

Goals and Benefits

Enhanced Volunteer Engagement: By participating in the program, clubs will be better equipped to engage and retain volunteers, ensuring a sustainable volunteer base.

Improved Club Operations: The knowledge and skills gained through the program will help clubs operate more efficiently and effectively, benefiting both volunteers and the broader community.

Community Impact: Clubs that achieve higher Club Changer status will have a greater positive impact on their communities, contributing to the overall growth and development of football in Australia.