Altona East Phoenix Soccer Club (AESC) in conjunction Football Australia and with the support of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) hosted a vibrant celebration for the 2025 AFC Grassroots Football Day. The event featured a special training session and a community gathering at the clubhouse, uniting players, families, and volunteers in a shared passion for the sport.
Club Changer 3 Star Accreditation: A National First
AESC was selected to host this celebration after they made history by becoming the first club in Australia to achieve Football Australia's Club Changer 3 Star Status. This recognition underscores the club's commitment to fostering a welcoming, fun, and safe environment for all participants.
The Club Changer Program, initiated by Football Australia, aims to protect and enhance clubs, making them stronger and more resilient. It leads clubs in building inclusive cultures and educates them on creating positive environments for players, coaches, volunteers, and officials, while planning for long-term viability and success.
AESC's journey through the program began in 2023 with the attainment of the 1 Star Status, focusing on the growth of women's and girls' participation in football. In 2024, the club progressed to the 2 Star Status, emphasizing safeguarding practices. Now, with the 3 Star Status, AESC demonstrates excellence across all areas of community football development.
Leadership and Community Impact
Under the leadership of President Leigh Karafillis and the dedicated efforts of Lauren Harries, director of women's football, AESC has cultivated a robust volunteer community and an inclusive space for its members. Their passion and dedication are evident in the joyful faces of the many families who participated in the day's festivities.
Leigh remarked, "We are getting reassured that we are heading in the right direction as a club, and we have put all policies in play" highlighting the club's commitment to creating a secure and welcoming environment for all.
Josephine from Football Victoria praised the club's efforts, stating, "The club committee have defined roles and responsibilities with a very strong base of volunteers to back the committee into day-to-day operation" acknowledging the essential role that dedicated individuals play in the club's success."
National Participation Growth
The 2024 National Participation Census reflected significant growth in community football across Australia:
Total participation increased by 11%
Women's and girls' participation rose by 16%
Volunteer involvement grew by 26%
These figures underscore the positive impact the Club Changer Program and the dedication of clubs like AESC in promoting grassroots football.
Recognition and Future Outlook
The AFC President's Recognition Grassroots Award acknowledged the Club Changer Program as a "world-leading initiative," benefiting over 1,300 grassroots clubs across Australia. This accolade highlights Football Australia's commitment to:
Empowering community clubs and volunteers
Developing skills to deliver quality football experiences
Expanding access to the game through partnerships with the Growing Football Fund, supported by CommBank, Coles, MiniRoos, and MILO
Football Australia's National Program Manager for Club Development, Grace Lambourne emphasized the vital role of club committees play in the growth of the game, stating, "Volunteers are the lifeblood of Community Football, driving everything from coaching to club operations as well as ensuring programs are safe, welcoming, and inclusive to all. Through strategically delivering support, education, and resources through Club Changer, and empowering clubs to action plan for the future, Football Australia's Club Changers are paving the way for long-term sustainability and success."
Altona East Phoenix SC's achievements serve as an inspiring model for community clubs nationwide, demonstrating the profound impact of dedicated leadership, inclusive practices, and community engagement in the growth and development of grassroots football.
Happy 2025 AFC Grassroots Day!
