Rockingham City FC are Football West’s Club Changer Club of the Month for August, celebrating the club’s commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive football environment where people of all ages, genders, abilities and levels of experience can feel welcome and participate in the game.
The Club Changer Club of the Month recognises affiliated clubs that demonstrate excellence across a different focus area each month. August’s theme highlights clubs that are creating more inclusive environments, breaking down barriers to participation and providing opportunities for people from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to be involved in football.
For Rockingham City FC, inclusion is reflected in the range of opportunities available across the club. Junior players can participate in boys-only, girls-only and mixed teams and training environments, providing players and families with options that best suit them.
Beyond junior football, the club has continued to broaden its participation pathways through women’s social teams, a men’s social team, a men’s Over-35s team and a dedicated Inclusion Team for players with disability.
This commitment has contributed to significant growth across several areas of the club. The number of all-girls teams has increased from two to four, while the club’s women’s teams have grown from one to three. The number of youth teams has also doubled, creating more opportunities for young people from across the local community to participate in football.
New social football opportunities have also helped make the game more accessible to adults. The introduction of the men’s Over-35s and social teams provides an avenue for people who may be returning to football, taking up the game later in life or looking to participate in a less competitive environment.
Partnerships have played an important role in supporting this growth. Rockingham City FC has worked with Perth Glory to deliver dedicated football sessions for girls, helping introduce more female players to the game in a positive and welcoming environment. Perth Glory has also supported coach development, helping coaches strengthen their knowledge and create quality, inclusive environments for players.
Support from Alcoa has also helped recognise and strengthen the club’s volunteer network, which remains critical to delivering opportunities across its growing number of teams and programs.
Rockingham City FC has also achieved Silver Medal status as a disability-inclusive football club, recognising its work to create a more accessible environment for people with disability. This commitment is demonstrated through the club’s dedicated Inclusion Team, providing players and their families with an opportunity to participate in football, develop friendships and enjoy a genuine sense of belonging within the club.
The impact of these initiatives can be seen not only through increased participation, but also through the connections being created between players, parents and volunteers.
One example is the formation of one of the club’s women’s social teams and its men’s Over-35s team. Both are largely made up of parents whose children already play in Rockingham City FC’s youth teams. Many initially became involved by supporting their children from the sidelines before taking on volunteer roles such as coaching and team management.
After spending years supporting their children’s football, the parents decided to form teams of their own — giving them the opportunity to enjoy the game together while their children reverse the roles and support them from the sidelines.
It is an example of how Rockingham City FC’s approach to inclusion extends beyond simply providing more teams. By creating opportunities for people to participate at different stages of life and in ways that suit their circumstances, the club is helping make football something that entire families can experience together.
Rockingham City FC President Fraser said providing opportunities for the whole community was central to what the club wanted to achieve.
“This is why we exist. We have arguably one of the best facilities in the state, and our committee is fully focused on ensuring people from all walks of life have the opportunity to experience playing football here.
“Seeing more senior players wearing our badge with pride on game day, while their own children watch them in the same colours, is something I know our members are cherishing.
“Our club’s rich history is built on families playing through multiple generations. Without a team at every age group, we interrupt that journey and ultimately limit the great story our club can continue to tell.
“We have only just started on our journey towards making a pathway from five years old to 65 years old possible at Rockingham City FC, but it is one that brings so many benefits and strengthens the positive impact we can have across the City of Rockingham.
Through its growing participation pathways, inclusive programs, community partnerships and commitment to providing opportunities for everyone, Rockingham City FC continues to demonstrate how community football can bring people together and create a place where everyone can belong.
- Learn more about the club: Rockingham City FC
- Read more about the Club Changer program on our website HERE
