At Manningham Soccer Club, the future of football is being shaped not just on the pitch but through the tireless commitment of volunteers like Christine Carbone.
As the club’s secretary for the past two years and a key figure in the MiniRoos and Juniors space for over three, Christine is at the core of everything that makes this young club thrive.
Working alongside other committee members, who equally contribute toward making the club great, Christine ensures that the foundations of success are solid.
Founded just four years ago, Manningham Juventus is still establishing itself but with the dedicated committee and volunteers helping guide the juniors, the future looks bright.
“I pretty much look after the MiniRoos and Juniors, I organise the teams, the tournaments, social events, whatever is required. What’s required, as it turns out, is quite a lot," she said.
Christine currently focuses on the little Zebras, U7s, U8s, U9s, U10s, and U11s and ensures all coaches are up to date through the Club Coach Coordinator (CCC) program.
“I manage all the coaches, make sure they’re following child safety protocols and staying across the latest seminars,” she said.
“We go to workshops together. I’m always trying to get the teams up to speed.”
Christine’s leadership extends to bigger initiatives as well. She’s working on bringing Foundation Coaching Courses to the club and creating an environment where players of all ages and abilities feel welcome, from four-year-olds taking their first kicks to seniors in their seventies.
“It doesn’t matter what age you are, you can always play,” she explained.
“We’re a community-based club, and if a kid wants to play, we’re happy to accept them.”
Her weekly schedule reflects that passion. Between her own children’s commitments, she visits the club two to three times a week, often arriving early to check in on training setup.
“It is a big commitment, but it’s worth it," Christine said.
What keeps her going is the strong community she’s helped build.
“It’s not a ‘boys club’. I’m the only female on the committee and I feel completely heard and validated. We’ve pushed through a lot of great initiatives,” she explained.
“Absolutely, I’d love to see more females involved,” she said.
“We’re working on forming a subcommittee next year. The boys have been so welcoming, they love seeing new faces.”
Her advice to parents? Lead by example.
“If you want to raise good human beings, show your kids that there’s more to life than just making money and living for yourself,” Christine said.
“Volunteering shows them there’s a community out there worth contributing to. Be a role model. That’s how we make a difference.”
Christine also credited the support of Football Victoria and CCC Manager Rob Taylor for helping her along the way.
“Rob has been incredible for our coaches and for me personally. If I ever need advice on behaviours, responsibilities, anything, he is there and if he doesn’t have the answer, he’ll find someone who does.”
With volunteers like Christine and a committee that works together to make the club thrive, Manningham Juventus isn’t just building teams it’s building something even more valuable: a culture of belonging, inclusion, and community spirit.