Football Victoria (FV) is delighted to recognise Colac Otway Rovers AFC as our May Club Changer Club of the Month, celebrating a club that has become a beacon of resilience, growth and community leadership in regional Victoria.
Established in 2010, the Rovers have rebuilt football in the Colac Otway Shire through sheer determination and an unwavering volunteer spirit.
In just three seasons, the club has grown from two teams to 12, with participation rising from 35 players to more than 180, plus an additional 40 MiniRoos registered for Term 2.
This remarkable growth has been achieved without a dedicated home ground, with the club operating across multiple venues and relying heavily on volunteers to transport goals, equipment and line‑marking gear across town each week. Their main competition venue, Beeac Recreation Reserve, is maintained almost entirely by volunteers, from watering and mowing to surface regeneration and goal installation.
Despite these challenges, the Rovers have continued to expand opportunities for the community, fielding senior women, junior girls, and a thriving MiniRoos program. Their commitment to inclusive football has earned them 2‑Star Club Changer accreditation and a Silver CCC package, reflecting strong governance, gender equity and community engagement.
The club’s volunteer‑driven culture has also supported player development pathways, with 15 players trialling for SAP this year and 5 selected, alongside growing representation in regional squads.
As the world’s most played and most watched sport, football provides a universal language and the Rovers have embraced this, creating a welcoming environment for new families and helping strengthen community connection across the region.
With the Colac Otway Football (Soccer) Feasibility Study identifying the need for a dedicated Football Hub, the Rovers stand as a model regional club ready to thrive with the right infrastructure behind them.
FV congratulates Colac Otway Rovers AFC on being named our Club Changer Club of the Month, and we commend their volunteers, coaches and families for driving one of the most inspiring community football stories in regional Victoria.