Football Victoria (FV) is proud to announce Strathdale SC as the Club Changer Club of the Month for August, recognising their journey towards greater diversity, equity and inclusion
With expert resources provided by FV, the club has taken meaningful action to create a more welcoming and accessible environment for people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities.
Strathdale SC President, Andrew Mertens said he was “extremely proud” of the club and committee who have embraced the Club Changer Program.
“We’ve always strived to provide a safe and inclusive environment for players of all ages and backgrounds, and our commitment to the program has helped to formalise and cement our aspirations,” he said.
The program empowered the club to confidently assess and improve its practices, equipping committee members, coaches, players, and volunteers with the tools to implement positive change. From developing inclusive policies to launching community engagement initiatives, Strathdale has embraced its role as a community-focused organisation.
One of the most impactful outcomes has been the club’s strengthened collaboration across all levels, bringing together senior and junior players and their families—most notably during the Go Pink Round, which raised awareness and funds for breast cancer while promoting female football.
The event showcased the club’s commitment to inclusivity, with the Under-14 girls team playing the showcase match of the evening under lights and with senior male players forming a guard of honour the girls and their mums/guardians when running onto the pitch. The presence of past senior women’s team members and their mothers added a powerful sense of continuity. These efforts also support the clubs longer term goal of re-establishing a senior women’s team, through increased participation of women and girls throughout the club both on and off the field.
Strathdale’s efforts have extended beyond events. The club has become more mindful of the small but significant ways it can improve accessibility—such as using the strengths of current members to support others, including providing interpreter assistance for new members.
Simple improvements such as making weekly gameday fixtures available on the club website both supports people who don't use social media but also encourages club members to watch and support games outside of the ones they have a direct connection with.
Being recognised through the Club Changer Program has validated Strathdale’s efforts and inspired the club to continue striving for excellence in creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable space for everyone involved in the game.