2021 represents a landmark year for the Surfside Waves Soccer Club. Based in Ocean Grove on the Bellarine Peninsula, the Club is celebrating its 25th anniversary and coincidentally its first in Victoria’s Men’s State League system.
While the Club is pleased to be thriving on the pitch, its first and foremost focus has always been off it.
In an area traditionally associated with surfing, AFL and cricket, the Waves have built a legacy based on community connection and inclusivity.
As Ocean Grove is one of Australia’s fastest growing postcodes, President Mike Sutton says this point of difference has been key to attracting young families and new players, many of whom move from suburban Melbourne.
“There are so many young families in the area. I moved here about six years ago and enrolled my son into the club before I started coaching here. We now have 20-plus MiniRoos teams which is incredible,” he said.
“We really pride ourselves on being that community club. Of course, we want to play good football, develop footballers and provide the best level of coaching possible, but what we’re all about inclusivity.”
“Anyone from any background or any level of experience can come and play. This is the mantra that our founder Bryan Burgess created. He is a massive football advocate and although in his late 80s, still stays involved here and there.”
As a part of the Club’s dedication to strengthening the community ties, it has partnered with the LifeChanger Foundation.
The organisation, run by former AFL player and coach Scott Watters, focuses on equipping young Australians with the essential skills, knowledge and pathways they need to develop positive self-identity.
This is intended to assist them in their day-to-day lives, but also to act as a preventative to mental health issues.
“Tragically, we had a really bad 2020. Maybe it was related to COVID, but several teenagers within our community took their lives last year, a few of them had previously been involved with our Club. Mental health is particularly close to our hearts and we really wanted to focus on getting LifeChanger up and running because unless we address it, it could become something more,” Sutton said.
“We want to ensure our kids are getting that depth of interaction here and that they feel comfortable to speak up.”
A unique aspect of LifeChanger and one the Club is aiming to actively work around is the concept of using a ‘tribe system’.
Essentially, utilising other people within the local community to act as mentors and role models for teenagers, which will build their sense of belonging, teach them valuable skills and open future professional and social pathways.
“It’s all about self-awareness. The program gives kids a footing to understand who they are and why they are different. It’s not about providing a quick fix, but about training an entire community,” Sutton said.
“This way rather than someone external coming in, local people who are teachers, bakers, policemen, coaches or whatever else act as mentors and build a two-way connection with the kids. It empowers everyone.”
“Embracing these type of programs shows parents that we want to offer kids something holistic and more than just sport.”
The Waves officially kicked off the partnership with LifeChanger in 2020, but due to the lockdown restrictions, had to wait until this year to actively launch initiatives with the organisation.
The Club now showcase the LifeChanger logo on player uniforms across all age groups and have programs to take place on school holidays.
“We’re looking to eventually integrate it into training. We are looking at next year with the thought of possibly doing an hour in the rooms on training nights running some courses,” Sutton said.
Surfside is also championing LifeChanger at its social events, promoting the organisation and normalising mental health discussion.
"The turnout at social events is a big focus and something soccer in this region has struggled with. We want people connecting and enjoying the each others company away from the game day as that leads to a stronger echo system and ultimately a better club," Sutton added.
"We are getting there, but it’s something that needs consistent love and attention."
“That’s where we want the Club to be on a consistent basis because for me, that represents everything we stand for. These people are leaving their houses to come to the Club and socialise and connect with people in our football community. Establishing that is a sign of a great Club so we will continue to promote that level of connection."
With Surfside having done tremendous work within the community, the step up to the Men’s State Leagues marks a new era for the club on the pitch.
Despite the Waves’ commitment to inclusion, an underlying competitive edge still exists. The Club is currently its holding their own in Men’s State League 5 (West), having earned two wins to date and refusing to feel overawed by the increased level of competition.
“I don’t want to sell the message that we’re not about producing good football because of our inclusive approach - we want to win football games,” Sutton said.
“We are fierce competitors, and we need to be because we aren’t a traditional football town. We need to hold our heads high as proud football people and represent the game. One of our main concepts is to play the right way, that’s right up there for us along with giving back to our community.”
25 years into its journey, the future looks brighter than ever for the Surfside Waves SC.
But despite the excitement about the men’s team is reaching new heights and the MiniRoos programs thriving, Sutton says several key challenges still exist for the Club.
“Our MiniRoos program is at capacity. We’ve actually had to turn kids away unfortunately. There’s not much we can do until our region receives a really top-level precinct or until we grow,” he said.
“On the flipside, the junior girls from ages 15-17 is really non-existent. We’ve been struggling the last couple of years with retention as a lot of them are playing AFL and that’s awesome – at least they are being active but it’s certainly an area of focus for us.”
“They are some of the things we are still looking to improve at the Club as a part of our strategic plan. Our intention as a board is to leave the Surfside Waves in a better place than what is was when we started and that’s what we’re hoping to achieve.”
If this story raised concerns for you, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
To learn more about the LifeChanger Foundation, Click Here.