Northern NSW Football is pleased to announce University of Newcastle FC as its Club Changer of the Month for August.
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 diversity, equality and inclusion. University of Newcastle FC brought that focus to life through the inaugural Callaghan Cup.
The Callaghan Cup is a club-wide fundraising event supporting Disability Sports Australia. UONFC partnered with Disability Sports Australia to make the event more than a fundraiser and create an inclusive day for the wider football community.
Participants from NNSWF's Para Football program walked onto the field alongside first grade players and joined inclusive half-time activities.
UONFC also highlighted senior athletes off the field through a panel featuring ParaMatildas Rae Anderson, Lainee Harrison, Tahlia Blanshard and Georgia Beikoff. The players shared valuable insights into disability sport and reinforced football's ability to create a sense of belonging for everyone.
Five Zone Football League fixtures took place throughout the day, while every team, volunteer, supporter and sponsor embraced the cause. Together they created an atmosphere that extended far beyond the results on the scoreboard.
The club rallied the community through a range of fundraising initiatives, including:
- A jersey auction featuring match-worn and signed jerseys from first grade teams
- A community raffle supported by donations from local businesses
- Corporate sponsorships and business partnerships
- Merchandise and BBQ sales
- Individual donations from members, supporters and the wider community
UONFC raised $9,751 for Disability Sports Australia through these efforts.
Every $45 enables one person living with disability to participate in sport. The club's fundraising will therefore provide opportunities for 216 Australians with disability to experience the physical, mental and social benefits of sport.
University of Newcastle FC Secretary Oscar Brotherston emphasised the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion to the club.
“The Callaghan Cup demonstrated what can be achieved when an entire football club works together toward something bigger than itself,” Brotherston said.
“Hundreds of players, volunteers, coaches, committee members, sponsors and supporters dedicated countless hours to planning and delivering the event. Local businesses generously donated raffle prizes, supporters enthusiastically bid in the jersey auction, Northumberland United embraced the initiative as valued partners and the wider football community rallied behind a shared purpose.
“Importantly, the event reinforced University of Newcastle Football Club’s commitment to using football as a vehicle for inclusion, community engagement and positive social impact.
“It highlighted that grassroots clubs are uniquely positioned to create lasting change, not only by developing footballers but by bringing communities together in support of important causes.
“The success of the inaugural Callaghan Cup has established a new benchmark for community engagement within the club and laid the foundation for an event that will continue to grow in years to come.
“It was a day not simply about football. It was about a football club coming together to change lives.”
For more information on Football Australia's Club Changer program, visit NNSWF Club Changer or contact bhodgekiss@nnswf.com.au.