Mindarie FC has been named Football West’s Club Changer Club of the Month for June.
This recognises the club’s outstanding commitment to safeguarding and creating a safe, inclusive environment for everyone involved in the game.
The Club Changer Club of the Month award celebrates clubs that are making a positive impact within their communities, with June’s theme focusing on safeguarding.
As one of Western Australia’s largest community football clubs, Mindarie FC has embedded safeguarding across all levels of its organisation. With more than 850 players across over 50 teams, the club understands the importance of creating environments where players, volunteers, officials and spectators feel safe, respected and supported.
A key feature of the club’s approach is its focus on turning safeguarding principles into practical actions. While maintaining strong governance structures, including compliance with Football Australia and Football West requirements, Working with Children Check compliance, Codes of Conduct and dedicated member protection processes, the club has also looked for ways to better support volunteers on the ground.
This year, Mindarie FC identified an opportunity to strengthen the role of ground marshals across its venues and to help them respond to situations involving poor sideline behaviour.
In response, the club developed a Ground Marshal Pocket Guide and supporting match-day processes to provide volunteers with clear guidance, practical tools and straightforward escalation pathways. The initiative has helped volunteers feel more confident in their role while reinforcing positive behaviours across teams, spectators and officials.
The club’s proactive approach has received strong support from coaches, volunteers, parents and club leaders, helping create more positive match-day experiences and reinforcing the message that safeguarding is a shared responsibility.
Club President Lee Hughes said: “Community football is built on the dedication of volunteers, coaches, players, families and supporters who contribute their time and energy every week. This recognition reflects the collective effort of everyone involved at Mindarie FC and we’re proud to be creating a positive, inclusive and welcoming club for our community.”
Football West Club Development Lead Mo Syafiq said: “Congratulations to Mindarie FC on this well-deserved recognition and thank you to the club’s volunteers, coaches and leaders for their continued efforts in strengthening safeguarding across community football.”
“After consulting our Integrity Team, there is a strong recommendation for Mindarie FC for this award and Football West is pleased to award this to them, with proactive and practicable child safeguarding practices.”
Learn more about the club – Mindarie FC
Read more about the Club Changer program on our website – Club Changer Club Development Program
