Coolum Football Club has been recognised as Football Queensland’s Club Changer of the Month for March 2025, following an incredible surge in participation and a community-first approach to growth and development on the Sunshine Coast. 

Club Changer is Football Australia’s national Club Development Program that helps clubs across the country become stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable, while providing clear pathways for long-term success. 

Coolum FC President, Melinda Williams, said the award is a reflection of the entire community’s commitment to the club. 

“We are a club that genuinely represents and reflects the community of Coolum,” Williams said. 

“Like the people of Coolum, our club is welcoming and easy going, but we work hard and look after our own. 

“We are proud of the fact that in a relatively small town, we have some of the biggest player numbers in the region. Most people who live in our community will have been involved in our club in some way or another across their life.” 

Despite Coolum’s population sitting at around 15,000, the club now boasts over 700 registered players across 60 teams in 2025, from Under 6s through to Masters. That includes a 25% overall growth in registrations over the past two years, and a near 33% increase in female participation over the same period. 

“For anyone that wants to connect with the community in our little pocket of the Sunshine Coast, Coolum Football Club is a great place to start,” Williams added. 

The club’s rapid growth has been matched with ambitious off-field plans. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Coolum FC is focusing on delivering long overdue upgrades to its facilities, including a major change room redevelopment supported by the Federal Government’s Play Our Way grant. The club is also investing in pitch improvements, with the goal of creating one of the best playing surfaces on the Coast. 

“While we turn 50 this year, we are just getting started with big plans in place to take the club to the next level in the years ahead,” said Williams. 

The Club Changer program has played a key role in shaping that vision. 

“There is so much to do at Coolum Football Club, that it can seem a bit overwhelming,” Williams said.

“It’s hard as a volunteer committee in a community club to go beyond just keeping your head above water… but the Club Changer program is helpful in prioritising and giving guidance on what actions to take to make a real difference.” 

Her message to other clubs considering the Club Changer program is simple: 

“Just start! It may sound like ‘another task’ on the endless list of things that a volunteer committee has to do. But what you get from the program will ultimately save you time.” 

If your club is interested to learn more about the Club Changer program please reach out to FQ’s Club Changer State Program via email community@footballqueensland.com.au.