Nepean Dragons announced as Football NSW’s Club Changer Club of the Month for August

Football NSW has named Nepean Football Association’s Nepean Dragons as its Club Changer Club of the month for August.

Nepean Football Association’s CEO Linda Cerone was delighted to see Nepean Dragons Football Club recognised for their fantastic contributions in the diversity and inclusion space;

“When the Nepean Association established Nepean Dragons many years ago, we knew then they would always be something special,” Cerone stated to Football NSW.

“They are a great asset to our area.  They operate quietly and with great dignity and integrity.

“Because they’re non-competitive, they tend not to draw attention to themselves or become embroiled in the less attractive side of football that seems to go hand in hand with fiercely competitive football environments.

“They just get on with having fun, loving football, welcoming newcomers and looking after each other.  The association congratulates all involved at Nepean Dragons FC on a job well done.  We’re very proud of their achievements.”

Vice President of Nepean Dragons Football Club, Karen Witherspoon on the origins of the program.

“In 2006, the clubs in Nepean Football Association got together to discuss a program specifically for children and adults with special needs who didn’t have a place to play. With support from the Association and grant funding we held a come and try in March 2007 at Cook Park,” said Witherspoon.

“After the highly successful come and try day we registered 16 players to start in April 2007.

“The program is an essential part of the community ensuring football access for everyone, regardless of their ability, in a safe, fun, diverse and inclusive environment. It provides an avenue of support for our players and their families, something that was previously not possible.

“Our players develop their football skills, lifelong connections and our families can build positive networks with other families. Through our Nepean Dragoons Football Club Facebook page, we promote the work we do, share our journey and raise community awareness and acceptance about people living with disability.

“We don’t see ourselves as being ‘special’ but just another part of the wider football community.

“The Nepean Dragons Football Club have gone from strength to strength.

“Starting with 16 players in 2007 to having 51 registered players in 2025 ranging in age from 5 to 55 years. We continue to provide an environment where all players are challenged to improve each week, our programs are adapted to meet the needs of our diverse range of participants and their abilities, ensuring equal access for all and have expanded to now be hosting an annual gala day with other visiting Football4All clubs. This is all possible because of the drive and dedication of our volunteer committee and coaches.

“In 2019 the club took a huge step when we separated from Nepean FA and became a fully-fledged independent club that has gone from strength to strength.

“In 2024 we launched our new playing strip and in 2025 continued to build on this adding a new club jacket. This has helped our players and supporters by ensuring we have a kit that is both practical but reflects modern playing strips.”

Football NSW’s Diversity, Inclusion and Club Development Coordinator Ellie Kerr heaped praise on the great things the Nepean Dragons were doing for not just the sport but the community.

“On the 15th of June 2025 Football NSW hosted the annual NOVA Employment Football4All Gala Day. Nepean Dragons Football Club had 4 teams participating on the day, and it was great to see their participants having fun and really contributing to the success of the day.

“The positive vibe that the Nepean Dragons Football Club bring to the event year on year is a testament to the hard work and impact they continue to have in this space.”

While finally, Nepean Football Association’s Sports Administrator Karissa Pleasance expressed her delight with the success the program has had.

“It’s fantastic to see the great work that Nepean Dragons Football Club are doing in the Diversity, equity and inclusion space, and we are so proud of their efforts and the continued growth of the program.

“We hope our clubs continue to engage with such fantastic programs, and we are thrilled to see strong engagement with Club Changer from our clubs, with twenty-three 1-star clubs and four 2-star clubs currently within the association.

“The Club Changer, club development program acts as a health check, it enables clubs to complete modules and gain an understanding of where they’re currently at, what they’re currently doing well and where there is room for improvement”.

Interested Clubs can direct Club Changer enquiries to trevorh@footballnsw.com.au or visit the Football NSW Club Changer webpage.