This month, nine outstanding clubs from across Australia have been recognised by their Member Federations as Club Changers of the Month under the theme Values & Behaviours.
Each of the following clubs has shown an exceptional commitment to building inclusive environments, fostering respect, and leading positive change both on and off the pitch.
Somerset Sharks SC – Football TAS
Somerset Sharks SC has built a proud culture where every member is valued equally, regardless of background or playing ability. The club embeds respect, fairness and good behaviour at all levels, ensuring players, parents, coaches and supporters understand what it means to represent the Sharks. From greeting opponents and officials before each match to sharing food after games, Somerset fosters a strong sense of unity and mutual respect. Their community is guided by an unwavering commitment to equality and by a proactive, self-policing culture that helps incidents be resolved quickly and positively. Somerset continues to set an example in Tasmania for how values can strengthen a club’s identity and long-term success.
Read more: Somerset Sharks – Club Changer Club of the Month - October
East Kew FC – Football VIC
East Kew FC has embraced the Club Changer framework to elevate both its community presence and internal culture. The club used the opportunity to reimagine how it engages members, developing a bold and creative communications strategy that showcases its community spirit and family-friendly environment. Through storytelling, campaigns and digital innovation, East Kew has inspired a sense of belonging among players and families. This renewed approach has directly driven participation growth, including a 200 % rise in the junior girls’ program and the senior women’s team’s rapid promotion through the state leagues. East Kew’s transformation shows how values and behaviours can be embedded in every aspect of a modern, community-driven football club.
Read more: East Kew FC – named Football Victoria’s October Club Changer
Hurlstone Park Wanderers – Football NSW
Hurlstone Park Wanderers stood out for its thoughtful and innovative approach to improving behaviour and enjoyment at the grassroots level. Their “Silent Sidelines” initiative for junior small-sided games encourages parents and spectators to stay quiet during matches, creating a calmer environment where young players and officials can think, learn and communicate independently. With more than 1,500 players across 90 teams, the club continues to demonstrate how inclusive values can thrive in a large community setting. Their commitment to respect, positivity and fun has become a benchmark for other clubs across New South Wales.
Read more: Hurlstone Park Wanderers – Club Changer Club of the Month
Greta Branxton FC – Northern NSW Football
Greta Branxton FC has been recognised for the strong sense of community that underpins its approach to values and behaviours. The club prioritises respect, teamwork and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages players and families to stay involved for the long term. Their focus on building positive relationships on and off the field reflects the belief that strong values are the foundation for sporting success and community growth. Through ongoing education and support for volunteers, Greta Branxton FC continues to demonstrate the positive impact of a united, respectful club culture.
Read more: Greta Branxton FC – Club Changer Club of the Month October
Gold Coast Knights FC – Football QLD
Gold Coast Knights FC has shown exceptional leadership by taking a holistic approach to club development that goes beyond the pitch. The club has invested in professional communications, introduced a full-time Media Officer to enhance engagement, and upgraded facilities with female-friendly changerooms and referee spaces. Their commitment to professional standards and community inclusion helped them achieve 3-Star Club Changer status. Gold Coast Knights continue to prove that strong values, innovation and collaboration can elevate both culture and performance at every level of the game.
Read more: Gold Coast Knights FC – Club Changer Club of the Month October
Queens Park SC – Football West
Queens Park SC continues to stand out for its inclusive approach and consistent reinforcement of positive values throughout its programs. The club has worked hard to ensure that good governance, fairness and respect are embedded in all levels of operation, from juniors to senior teams. By creating a safe and welcoming environment for all participants, Queens Park SC is not only developing better footballers but also shaping better community citizens. Their leadership serves as an inspiration for other Western Australian clubs seeking to grow through values-based development.
Read more: Queens Park SC – Club Changer Club of the Month October
WT Birkalla SC – Football SA
WT Birkalla SC has been acknowledged for its dedication to building a club culture rooted in respect, fairness and teamwork. The club consistently promotes positive behaviour among players, coaches and supporters, ensuring that the spirit of football remains at the heart of everything they do. Through its strong leadership and community focus, WT Birkalla SC continues to provide a safe and enjoyable environment where everyone feels welcome to participate and contribute. Their recognition as Club Changer of the Month highlights how sustained commitment to values can shape a thriving football community.
Read more: WT Birkalla SC – Club Changer Club of the Month - October
Woden Valley FC – Capital Football
Woden Valley FC is living its values through a free and inclusive “Street Soccer” program for Under 14 players. This initiative offers a fun, no-pressure environment with no registration, no fees and no recorded results, just football for the love of it. It not only promotes inclusivity but also provides valuable match experience for the club’s young officials, helping them develop skills in a supportive setting. Woden Valley champions respect, fairness and friendship across every level, and by modelling positive behaviour, it’s showing how community sport can truly bring people together.
Katherine FC – Football NT
Katherine FC has been recognised for its deep commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive and positive environment for all members of its football community. The club actively embeds its values into daily operations through a strong Code of Conduct and by celebrating coaches, players and volunteers who demonstrate respect and teamwork. Initiatives welcoming new families, supporting multicultural participation and encouraging positive sideline behaviour have strengthened the club’s culture. Katherine FC also invests in leadership and mentoring to nurture future community leaders, proving that football can be a powerful force for connection, respect and belonging.
Congratulations to all nine clubs for leading the way in upholding football’s core values and setting new benchmarks for positive behaviour, inclusion and respect. Your dedication to building stronger, fairer and more connected clubs is inspiring to the entire football community.
If your club hasn’t yet joined Club Changer, now is the perfect time. The program provides tools, resources and recognition to help clubs create environments where everyone feels welcome, safe and proud to participate. Together, we can continue shaping a football culture built on respect, teamwork and integrity, the true spirit of the game.
