Willowburn FC has been named Football Queensland’s Club Changer Club of the Month for April 2025, recognised for its outstanding work in growing opportunities for women and girls in football.
Established in 1949, the Toowoomba-based club is recognised as one of Queensland’s oldest, and while proud of its long-standing history in the area, Willowburn continues to evolve and move forward, building on its core values of community, respect and inclusion. That approach is especially evident in its commitment to growing and advancing the women and girls’ game.
“Our club is more than just a football club, we’re a community,” Willowburn FC President Tim Kruger said.
“Our players wear the black and white jersey with pride, and we’re especially proud that our women’s teams are rising rapidly in strength and success, right alongside our men’s teams.”
In just two years, the club has nearly doubled its senior female playing group, growing from 35 players in 2023 to almost 60 in 2025. Its youth female program has also tripled, and for the first time in club history, Willowburn now fields two all-girls MiniRoos teams. The number of female coaches at the club has also grown, with nearly triple the number involved in 2025 compared to previous seasons.
Amanda Kelly, Willowburn’s Women and Girls Ambassador, said these wins are part of a broader plan at the club to create more opportunities for female players at every level, with the Club Changer program helping to shape that direction.
“Our biggest wins have been in the significant growth of female player numbers across all levels, from our MiniRoos all the way up to our seniors, with the introduction of the Girls United program playing a huge role in this growth,” Kelly said.
“The program gave us a clear plan and helped us access grants that made football more affordable for female players.
“It’s not just another task when you take the time to map out your goals and identify the right people to lead, it becomes a powerful tool for growth.”
Willowburn’s development and momentum isn’t just showing in its growing player numbers, it is also showing on the pitch. The club’s FQPL 3 Darling Downs Women’s team has dominated the regional competition for years, regularly finishing as minor premiers and making another Grand Final appearance in 2024. Both of the club’s Girls United teams also claimed back-to-back championships last season.
Club Secretary Jo Kruger said the club’s success comes down to a strong development environment.
“Our teams’ success is a direct result of the environment we’ve created – one where girls and women are coached to a high standard, encouraged, and supported to succeed.”
Looking ahead, Willowburn is exploring new initiatives including a junior academy-style training program for female players, while continuing to grow the game across all age groups.
“Willowburn FC is a place where everyone belongs. We’re proud of where we have come from and our traditions, but we’re also equally excited about what’s to come,” Kruger concluded.
If your club is interested to learn more about the Club Changer program, please contact FQ’s Club Changer State Program Manager Sean Kelly via email at: community@footballqueensland.com.au
