Safeguarding is more than a requirement in grassroots football, it is a commitment to ensuring every player, volunteer, and participant feels safe, respected and supported. Across the country, clubs recognised through the Club Changer program are embedding safeguarding into everyday practice, from protecting young referees to strengthening policies, education and reporting systems.
Nepean Referees Group (Football NSW)
Nepean Referees Group has taken an innovative approach to safeguarding by focusing on the wellbeing of young referees. Through its “18 Green” initiative, junior officials wear a green armband to signal their age, encouraging respect and awareness from players and spectators. The program highlights protection, confidence-building and retention, ensuring young referees are supported in what can be a challenging environment.
Maccabi FC Caulfield (Football Victoria)
Maccabi FC Caulfield has embedded safeguarding into its overall club philosophy through a strong commitment to child safety. With a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and a clear focus on empowering children, the club ensures that safety, participation and wellbeing are central to all programs. This broad, values-driven approach ensures safeguarding is not isolated, it is part of the club’s identity.
North Companions FC (Northern NSW Football)
North Companions FC builds safeguarding through culture and values, with integrity, discipline and teamwork guiding how the club operates. By maintaining a family-oriented and inclusive environment, the club focuses on creating positive experiences for players of all ages, ensuring wellbeing is promoted through strong community standards and responsible club behaviour.
SA Panthers FC (Football SA)
SA Panthers FC demonstrates a comprehensive safeguarding model built on strong governance and leadership. With a dedicated Child Safety Officer overseeing practices, the club ensures proper screening, Working with Children checks and compliance across all volunteers. Education, clear policies and strong oversight have enabled the club to refine its systems and maintain a proactive, evolving safeguarding framework.
Launceston City FC (Football Tasmania)
Launceston City FC focuses on safeguarding through education and compliance. Coaches and committee members are required to complete safeguarding training, ensuring those working with children are properly prepared. With hundreds of junior players involved, this structured approach ensures safe participation at scale.
Riverway JCU FC (Football Queensland)
Riverway JCU FC has made safeguarding a central pillar of its operations, introducing a comprehensive policy and clearly defined safeguarding roles within the club. By appointing a Safeguarding Officer and promoting awareness across all members, the club has created transparent pathways for support and reporting. This strong framework has not only improved safety, but also boosted participation and retention across diverse groups.
Mindarie FC (Football West)
Mindarie FC reflects how safeguarding can underpin long-term club growth. Recognised as a two-star Club Changer, the club’s focus on safety, inclusion and quality standards is embedded alongside its development pathways. As a volunteer-driven organisation with hundreds of players, safeguarding is integrated into how the club supports both community participation and performance.
Litchfield FC (Football NT)
Litchfield FC show outstanding commitment to safeguarding and dedication to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for players, volunteers and families.
Everyone at Litchfield FC leads by example and helps build a stronger football community across the Northern Territory. The commitment to player wellbeing is making a lasting difference.
ANU Women’s FC (Capital Football)
ANU Women’s FC has taken a unique approach by prioritising accessibility and transparency in safeguarding. Its website provides clear, easy-to-navigate resources covering welfare, reporting processes and support channels, ensuring members know exactly where to go for help. By removing complexity and encouraging open communication, the club has made safeguarding practical, visible and embedded in everyday club life.
While each club adopts a different approach, a consistent message emerges; effective safeguarding is not just about policies, it is about culture, clarity and accountability. From visible initiatives and education to leadership roles and accessible resources, these clubs are setting a strong example for how football can remain a safe and trusted space for everyone involved.
Learn more about our Club Changer program on https://footballaustralia.com.au/clubchanger
