Lake Macquarie City FC entered a new era in 2025 when the club took over the NPL Women’s Northern NSW licence from Warners Bay FC, becoming the newest side in the competition.
With no existing NPL Women’s structure to build upon, the club started from the ground up, assembling a squad of players committed to helping establish a strong foundation both on and off the field.
Head coach Gabrielle Blanch, who made history as the first female head coach in the competition, has been central to shaping the club since its entry into the NPL Women’s NNSW in 2025. Blanch arrived at the club with extensive experience, having previously worked within the Central Coast Mariners Academy and at Terrigal United.
One of the club’s most significant additions was experienced midfielder Brooke Summers, who was appointed captain and quickly became a driving force behind the team's development.
More than just a leader on match day, Summers has helped foster a culture centred on connection, inclusivity and creating opportunities for the next generation of female footballers.
Now entering her second season as captain in 2026, Summers remains passionate about strengthening the bond between the club’s senior players and its emerging talent through the Premier Youth League pathway.
“It’s pretty awesome,” Summers said at the 2026 NPL Women’s NNSW season launch.
“Lakes is an amazing club, and they've been amazing to me.
“They're doing a lot for women in football, and to be the captain of that, and continuing to be the captain of that, is pretty special to me.”
Summers' commitment to the club extends beyond her playing duties. She also serves as co-coach of the club’s PYL Girls under-15s side alongside a reserve grade player, giving young footballers direct access to senior role models.
“I take my role as captain very seriously,” Summers said.
“I’m actually co-coaching the PYL under-15s this year with one of our reserve grade girls and that's been pretty fun.
“The girls love having me there as their club captain and someone to look up to and watch.
“I actually love being there and being around the girls.”
That connection between the club’s senior and junior programs has become a major focus for Lake Macquarie City as it continues to establish itself within the women’s game.
Whether it's supporting youth matches, attending men's fixtures or bringing players together away from the pitch, Summers believes creating a united club environment is just as important as results on the field.
“We try to get to as many PYL games as a team. I’m obviously there anyway, but as a whole we’re trying to get to more this year,” Summers said.
“We also try to get to the men’s games as well and just join both the men, the women and the juniors all together.
“It’s about the club culture. Everyone’s equal and we all just want to be together and have a good time.”
As Lake Macquarie City FC continues to grow in the NPL Women’s NNSW competition, leaders like Summers are helping ensure the club's legacy extends beyond wins and losses, creating a pathway and culture that future generations can be proud to be part of.
Watch Brooke and Lake Macquarie City FC take on Charlestown Azzurri at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility on Wednesday 10 June.