Russell Vale Junior FC awarded April Club Changer Club of the Month

Football NSW has named Russell Vale Junior Football Club as its Club Changer Club of the Month for April, recognising the club’s outstanding commitment to creating a positive environment for players, officials, and supporters.

Club Changer is Football Australia’s Club Development Program which aims to protect and enhance clubs to make them stronger and more resilient while planning for long-term sustainability and success.

“This award belongs to the entire Cobras community – players, families, volunteers, coaches, sponsors and supporters – who collectively give their time, energy and passion to ensure football at Russell Vale is welcoming, inclusive and accessible to all,” said Female Football Coordinator Dona D’Amico.

“As a community‑run club, everything we do is driven by volunteers and families who care deeply about creating a positive environment for our players. In recent years, we have deliberately strengthened our club culture to ensure everyone feels valued and supported, gender equity is prioritised, and player wellbeing is considered just as important as player development.”

A defining strength of Russell Vale is their commitment to gender equity and the growth of women’s and girls’ football. With 52% female participation across MiniRoo and Junior competitions – the highest in the Football South Coast competition – the club has become a regional leader in creating meaningful opportunities for girls and women. The club now field female teams in almost every age group from Under 6 to Under 18, and in 2026 will offer a complete female pathway from All Age through to Masters.

This progress has been supported by the unification of their junior club with their senior women’s club, bringing all players together under one united Russell Vale identity. Strong female leadership also underpins this success, with women making up 70% of our committee.

Russell Vale has demonstrated a deliberate commitment to growth and improvement across every area of the club. A significant milestone was becoming the first club in the Wollongong Local Government Area to achieve 2‑Star Club Changer status, recognising genuine progress in governance, culture and long‑term planning. Our volunteers continue to embrace collaboration, innovation and change to ensure the club’s sustainability.

Celebrating and elevating the women’s game remains a key focus. During Female Football Week, more than 200 girls and women participated at our small field, alongside activities celebrating the Women’s World Cup and Asian Cup. A highlight was a visit from Matilda Kyah Simon, whose presence inspired young players and reinforced what is possible through opportunity, belief and strong role models.

Beyond on‑field development, Russell Vale places a strong focus on wellbeing. This season, players and coaches will take part in mental resilience workshops delivered by former Matildas coach Tom Sermanni, made possible through a Football Australia Growing Football Fund grant.

Russell Vale Female Co‑ordinator Dona D’Amico said the recognition reflects years of commitment.

“For a club of our size, what we’ve achieved over the past five years is something we are incredibly proud of,” she said, acknowledging the support of the community, Football South Coast, Wollongong City Council and local MPs, which has enabled key infrastructure upgrades including female‑friendly change rooms and new 200 LUX LED lighting.

“I am incredibly proud to see Russell Vale Junior Football Club leading the way in female football across our region,” said Football South Coast CEO Amanda Marino.

“Their recognition by Football NSW as Club Changer of the Month is a testament to what’s possible when a club commits to inclusion, opportunity, and community.

“With outstanding female participation, clear pathways, and a culture where girls and women truly belong, Russell Vale is not just growing the game – they are redefining it for the next generation.”

Football NSW’s Program Manager for Club Development, Trevor Huxley, commended the club’s forward-thinking approach.

“It’s great to see Russell Vale go from strength to strength in the female football space and being awarded the Club Changer Club of the month is testament to all their hard work.”

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