Altona East Phoenix Soccer Club has proudly become the first club in Victoria—and nationally—to achieve a 3-Star rating in the Club Changer Program. This recognition reflects their ongoing commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and community engagement at Paisley Park Reserve.
Through the program, Altona East Phoenix SC has provided continuous safeguarding education for coaches and volunteers, helping them understand their responsibilities in protecting members. Coaches are now more attuned to behavioural cues and the emotional well-being of players, both on and off the field. This training has enhanced their ability to recognise signs of distress, misconduct, and potential safeguarding risks.
The club has implemented accessible policies through its communication platform, ensuring all members are informed about club guidelines and the National Safeguarding Framework.
To further support its members, Altona East Phoenix SC has appointed a Member Protection Information Officer and a Safeguarding Officer. These individuals are clearly identified in the club’s social room, making it easy for members to raise concerns or seek guidance.
Visible signage, including Child Safe Standards and Safeguarding posters, is displayed throughout the club to reinforce its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Head of Women's Football & Club Safeguarding Officer Lauren Harris spoke of her pride in the club and thanked everyone involved in helping Altona East achieve the 3-star rating.
"We’re incredibly proud to announce that Altona East Phoenix Soccer Club has officially achieved a 3-Star Club Changer Rating with Football Victoria — a prestigious recognition of our commitment to excellence in governance, safeguarding, inclusion, and community impact.
"This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our committee, volunteers, coaches, and members who have all contributed to building a stronger, safer, and more inclusive club for everyone.
"A special thank you goes to Josephine from Football Victoria, whose ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement played a pivotal role in helping us achieve this honour.
"We also gratefully acknowledge the continued partnership of Hobsons Bay City Council, whose support has been vital to the growth and development of our club, and the advocacy of Melissa Horne MP, who has worked tirelessly to champion our women’s and girls’ program and help create more opportunities for female players in our community.”
Alongside this fantastic news, we are also pleased to confirm the 2025 Football Australia Club Changer Workshops. These Club Changer workshops are designed to assist clubs to renew their 1 Star accreditation and progress to 2 Star.
These sessions will provide your club with the necessary information and support to continue to progress to the next phase of the Club Changer Program.
1 Star Renewal:
Retake Women in Football module on the Game Plan Portal
Create a new Women & Girls action plan.
1 Star Assessment to progress to 2 Star
Retake Women in Football Module on the Game Plan (within the past 12 months)
Safeguarding Module (within the past 12 months)
3 x Additional Modules of club choice
Attend a FA Safeguarding Webinar (within the 12-month period)
Dates Confirmed:
- Bendigo Epsom Huntly - 6.00pm, 25 June
- Wodonga Baranduda Fields - 6.00pm, 30 June
- Mornington Peninsula - 7.00pm
- Knox & Monash - Knox Regional Centre - 6.00pm, 4 August
- Moonee Valley & Merribek - Coburg Civic Centre - 6.00pm, 18 July
- Banyule - 23 June, 6.00pm
- Shepparton McEwan Reserve - 6.00pm, 23 June
- Maribyrnong - Footscray Town Hall - 6.00pm, 21 July
- Casey - Casey Fields - 6.00pm, 21 July
Club Changer Workshop only for clubs based in their LGA
- Melton City Council Clubs – City Vista - 6.30pm, 15 July
- Wyndham City Council Clubs – Civic Centre - 6.30pm, 28 July
Please register your attendance via the link below. Please note these dates may be subject to change.
Register Now – 2025 Club Changer Workshops
Please connect with your nominated Club Development Officer for further information or via email: Clubchanger@footballvictoria.com.au
For further information on Club Changer, please visit: Club Changer | Football Australia