Northern NSW Football is pleased to announce Great Lakes United Football Club as its Club Changer of the Month for September.
Club Changer is Football Australia’s Club Development program, which aims to enhance clubs for long-term viability and success.
This month’s Club Changers focus was governance, with a particular emphasis on committees and leadership. Great Lakes United’s committee continues to grow registration numbers, specifically female participants, while also working to enhance the football experience for players and spectators.
Great Lakes hosted a Coles Mini Tillies program in March which played a significant role in increasing female participation numbers for the club.
The club created six all-girls teams which contributed to the formation of two all-girls junior divisions in the Football Mid North Coast winter competition as well as fielding two women’s teams.
Great Lakes were the largest community Summer Football site for the 2024/25 season with more than 800 registered players. The club also runs the junior and senior Viking’s Challenge every year for more than 2000 players.
In addition to their rise in registration numbers the club has improved field drainage as well as lighting, fencing, storage and amenities upgrades for their members and players.
None of this would have been possible without the hard-working committee, whose efforts to secure funding for upgrades and boost participation were essential.
Great Lakes United’s Technical Advisor Reece Dodds was thrilled for the club to be recognised as Club Changer of the Month and looked forward to what the club will achieve in the future.
“It’s fantastic that the committee’s efforts have been recognised after the hard work they put in week in and week out,” Dodds said.
“Increasing our female participants is a considerable achievement, representing a doubling of registered female players compared to last season.
“That progress is largely thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Female Football Ambassador, Bonnie Garrard.
“Looking ahead, we’re hopeful of securing more funding to support even more female football initiatives over the summer and into the 2026 season.
“There’s a real sense of momentum at the club and we’re excited about the potential for continued growth and development.”
For more information on Football Australia’s Club Changer program, visit NNSWF Club Changer or contact bhodgekiss@nnswf.com.au.
