On Saturday, June 17 The GO Soccer Mums (GSM) team at Football Victoria (FV) hosted the inaugural GSM awards celebration.
The winner of the first-ever GSM 'Promoting a Healthy Community' Club Award was Melton Phoenix FC.
This award was given to a club that has and continues to invest in the GO Soccer Mums program. They are leading the charge to provide an accessible, inclusive, and safe space for women and gender-diverse individuals to enjoy our game.
This club fosters a strong sense of community and provides the opportunity for like-minded people to build lifelong friendships.
On the night, Women & Girls Project Manager Natalie Pafralis said it was "extremely heartwarming" how each of the clubs is able to take the program and put their own spin on it, ensuring they get the best for their participants.
"I have to give a special mention to Alexandra El-Khishen who has led the program at Melton Phoenix FC since its inception. Her hard work and passion for female football has grown the program and allowed the Melton community to truly see the benefits of the program," she said.
"One person explained how the program (at Melton Phoenix FC) came at the right time for them as they weren't in a good place, and to be able to go back every Saturday for training really helped them through the tough time," co-Women & Girls Project Manager Elsa Mangan added.
"Another person explained how the club is like their second home and that everyone is so friendly, they don’t feel like an outsider. They feel better, not just physically but mentally too. Every term they are excited for what's to come and can’t wait to see the program grow, helping more people to be the best version of themselves.
Pafralis continued to say it was no wonder the Melton Phoenix participants were excited given the activities the club organises for their GSM program.
"In Term 1, they host a morning tea which includes bringing a friend along for free. At the end of Terms 2 and 3, they host an activity outside of soccer, for example, bowling. At the end of Term 4, there is a Christmas breakfast party. Each participant receives a trophy and a Christmas card to thank them for their contribution," she concluded.