Northern NSW Football is pleased to announce Port Saints as its Club Changer of the Month for October.
Club Changer is Football Australia's Club Development program, which aims to enhance clubs for long-term viability and success.
This month's Club Changer focus was workforce and volunteering.
Port Saints 2026 season was defined by resilience, reinvention and a commitment to building a stronger future for the club. While the year began with renewed optimism and strengthened governance, significant challenges both on and off the pitch tested the club’s ability to adapt.
A delayed field drainage upgrade left Port Saints without a home ground for the entire season. In partnership with Football Mid North Coast, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Makos Touch Football Association, the club established a temporary base at Tuffins Lane.
Operating from a single shipping container and coordinating night games across grounds throughout Port Macquarie required considerable planning and collaboration among the committee.
The committee, coaches and volunteers worked tirelessly to transport equipment, establish temporary facilities and keep teams on the pitch week after week. The club also strengthened relationships with neighbouring clubs to ensure football could continue despite the disruption.
Alongside these operational challenges, Port Saints focused on strengthening its governance and internal processes. The committee worked to improve communication, rebuild policies and procedures, and establish a club culture centred on inclusivity, accountability and long-term sustainability. These changes aimed to create stronger systems, support volunteers and provide a solid foundation for future committees.
Despite a season of constant change, the club maintained strong participation, supported its members and continued to foster sportsmanship and community engagement.
While the challenges of 2026 tested the club, they also reinforced the importance of strong governance, collaboration and a shared vision. Port Saints finished the season more adaptable, more connected and better positioned for the future, demonstrating what can be achieved when a football community comes together with a common purpose.
Port Saints Secretary Alexandra Scarabello emphasised the commitment the members of the club have put into 2026.
"The commitment of our players, coaches, managers, volunteers and committee members collective efforts have kept the club connected through one of its most challenging seasons," Scarabello said.
"In the face of adversity, we have emerged stronger, more adaptable and more community focused than ever. Our journey in 2026 reflects the true spirit of our club: embracing change, overcoming obstacles and building a better future for football in our local community.
"Port Saints would also like to thank Football Mid North Coast for their ongoing commitment to local football and invaluable support throughout the year."
Football Mid North Coast General Manager Phil Andrews was thrilled for Port Saints hard work be recognised at the national level.
"Port Saints have around 650 players. Drainage works on their ground meant their entire operation was moved to another venue," Andrews said.
"The committee seized on the opportunity to maintain continuity for the season, was pro-active about gaining a facility at Tuffins Lane and then mobilised a workforce to make the best of a poor situation.
"Key people have done a great job of recruiting volunteers to ensure grounds are set up for play and the season got to proceed as close to normal as possible. On game day there is always a busy canteen staffed by volunteers and the club is pro-active to ensure there are sufficient ground officials for the matches being played.
"It's fantastic to see them recognised for the work they have done this season."
For more information on Football Australia’s Club Changer program, visit NNSWF Club Changer or contact bhodgekiss@nnswf.com.au.