Football Victoria is proud to announce Middle Park Football Club as our July Club Changer Club of the Month, recognising the club’s commitment to modernising its operations and using the Club Changer framework to create a stronger, more sustainable future.
Middle Park FC’s journey through Football Australia’s Club Changer Program and towards achieving 3-Star accreditation has become far more than a governance exercise. The framework has helped reshape how the club plans, operates and supports its community.
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As a 100% volunteer-run organisation, Middle Park FC has embraced Club Changer as a roadmap for continuous improvement, strengthening governance, enhancing member experiences and building a club that is sustainable both on and off the pitch.
Working towards 3-Star Club Changer accreditation, the club has modernised its governance through digital systems, strengthened safeguarding practices with Safety Champion Software, implemented structured board succession planning and secured Sport and Recreation Victoria funding to introduce a dedicated customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Together, these initiatives have reduced the burden on volunteers while creating a safer, more connected and professionally managed environment for players, families and volunteers.
Middle Park's Club Changer journey has also extended beyond football, with the club establishing meaningful partnerships that promote environmental sustainability, accessibility and community impact. Collaborations with organisations including the Sports Environment Alliance, Macron, Premier Waste, Recycle Care Australia, VDXTCH, Team Sports 4 All and the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme have seen the club introduce recycled Macron Eco-Fabric playing kits, divert match-day waste from landfill, participate in the Recycle Care Australia Club Hub program and launch Container Deposit Scheme fundraising initiatives.
Collaboration has become a cornerstone of the club's long-term vision. Through its involvement with the Albert Park Sports Clubs Association and Development Victoria, Middle Park FC is contributing to the future planning and improvement of sporting infrastructure across Albert Park Reserve. The club also plays an active role within the Port Melbourne & Fishermen's Bend Sports Club Alliance, working alongside neighbouring clubs, the City of Port Phillip and key stakeholders to advocate for improved facilities and playing surfaces across the region.
By embracing strong governance, fostering meaningful partnerships and championing collaboration, Middle Park FC has demonstrated how community football clubs can create a lasting impact beyond the game itself. Their Club Changer journey is helping build a resilient, inclusive and forward-thinking club that not only supports its members but also contributes positively to the wider Victorian football community.