Football West News
Balcatta Etna FC have been recognised as Football West’s Club Changer Club of the Month for July.
The award celebrates the club’s commitment to infrastructure, investment and strategic partnerships, strengthening football opportunities for its members and the wider community.
The Club Changer Club of the Month recognises affiliated clubs that demonstrate excellence across a different focus area each month.
July’s theme highlights clubs that are investing in their future through improved facilities, strong governance and meaningful partnerships that create lasting benefits for their football community.
For Balcatta Etna, that commitment is on show at Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve, where years of work with the City of Stirling, the State Government, commercial partners and volunteers have transformed the club’s facilities.
Recent improvements include new LED floodlighting, refurbished clubrooms, a fully commercial kitchen, upgraded women’s changerooms, better player facilities, expanded spectator viewing areas and enhanced accessibility throughout the venue. This has created a safer, more welcoming and more inclusive environment.
Behind every improvement has been a long-term commitment to collaboration. Balcatta Etna have built strong relationships with government, local businesses and community partners, while continuing to reinvest club-generated revenue back into football. Combined with the ongoing contribution of volunteers, these partnerships have helped create a sustainable model that supports both the club’s day-to-day operations and its future growth.
Club President Peter Carlino said: “This recognition means a great deal to Balcatta Etna FC because it acknowledges the collective effort behind our recent progress. Major capital works are rarely the result of one decision or one moment. The journey at Grindleford Reserve has, in many ways, been more than 10 years in the making.
“Had we known at the start how long the journey would take, it may have seemed almost impossible. But meaningful capital works require patience, persistence and people willing to carry the work forward over many years.
“Credit must go to those who came before us, those serving the club today, and the stakeholders who have supported us throughout the journey. When a community club receives this level of backing from the City of Stirling and State Government, it gives everyone involved a great sense of achievement. It is also humbling, because facility development is not a one-off project but a continuing responsibility.
“These investments have improved the experience for players, families, volunteers and visitors, and they inspire us to keep building a stronger club for the generations that follow.”
