Wodonga Heart FC Named September Club Changer Club of the Month

Football NSW has named Wodonga Heart Football Club as its September Club Changer Club of the Month, recognising the club’s outstanding commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and positive environment for players, officials, volunteers and supporters.

Club Changer is Football Australia’s Club Development Program, designed to help clubs become stronger, more resilient and sustainable while providing the foundations for long-term success.

Wodonga Heart FC’s recognition reflects a journey of significant cultural transformation since the club rebranded from Wodonga Panthers in 2012.

The club has placed a strong emphasis on building a family-oriented environment underpinned by community, mutual respect and high standards of sportsmanship.

Chairman of the Albury Wodonga Football Association Brad Howard praised the club for its continued commitment to creating a positive football environment.

The club’s identity is built around a clear vision:

“Connected by respect, driven by heart, and fuelled by the love of the game — we compete to grow, appreciate every effort, hold ourselves accountable, and win together.”

That vision is brought to life through the club’s W.H.E.A.R.T. framework, which provides a clear set of values for the entire Wodonga Heart community.

Winning Mentality is centred on high standards, resilience and continual growth, encouraging members to pursue excellence and respond to setbacks with purpose.

Heart represents the passion, courage and commitment that fuels the club, while Enjoyment reinforces the importance of creating an environment where players and volunteers can love the game and build lasting connections.

Accountability ensures members take ownership of their actions, decisions and standards, while Respect places importance on treating teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, volunteers and the wider community with dignity.

Finally, Teamwork reflects the club’s belief that success is achieved collectively, through communication, support and shared goals.

The club’s commitment to its values is supported by a comprehensive governance framework.

Wodonga Heart FC has implemented a Member Protection Framework and Working with Children Policy, ensuring child safety and wellbeing remain central to the club’s operations, supported by dedicated Member Protection Information Officers.

Clear Codes of Conduct for players, parents, team officials and spectators further reinforce the club’s expectations, while structured Game Day Guidelines cover important areas including Game Day Marshals, concussion management, extreme heat and lightning policies.

Together, these measures have helped Wodonga Heart develop a modern, values-driven football environment where governance, safety and community connection are prioritised alongside football development.

Football NSW Program Manager for Club Development Trevor Huxley commended the club for its progressive approach.

“It’s great to see Wodonga Heart go from strength to strength in the governance space and being awarded the Club Changer Club of the Month is testament to all their hard work,” Huxley said.

The recognition highlights the important role clubs can play in creating environments where everyone feels welcome, valued and protected.

Wodonga Heart FC’s journey demonstrates how strong governance, clear values and a commitment to community can help create a sustainable club culture both on and off the pitch.

Football NSW congratulates Wodonga Heart FC on being named the September Club Changer Club of the Month and acknowledges everyone involved in the club’s ongoing development.

Clubs interested in learning more about Club Changer can contact Football NSW Program Manager for Club Development Trevor Huxley at trevorh@footballnsw.com.au or visit the Football NSW Club Changer webpage.