The Gap FC has been crowned Football Queensland’s Club Changer Club of the Month for July 2025, recognised for its commitment to investment, partnerships, and infrastructure development.
Based in Brisbane’s inner north-west since 1955, The Gap FC has grown alongside its community. With more families moving into the area and football participation on the rise, the club has seen a 22% increase in player numbers over the past three years alone. Today, The Gap offers inclusive programs for all ages and abilities, from grassroots through to academy pathways.
The Gap is home to one of the largest female programs in Queensland and is driving towards a bold target of 50/50 gender participation by 2027. Recent initiatives include:
- An all-female U6/U7 league with a neighbouring club
- Early adoption of U12 and U14 female academy teams
- A second women’s metro team and two over-30s women’s teams
- Hosting the Girls United Carnival for more than 300 U9 girls from across Brisbane
Club President Chris Murdoch said the focus on inclusivity reflects The Gap’s role in the community: “With over 90% of our members living, working, or going to school in the local area, we’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of residents while contributing to the local economy.”
Rapid growth has meant more demand for fields and facilities. To meet the challenge, The Gap developed a long-term strategic plan, strengthened partnerships with local schools, and invested in new infrastructure.
Board Director Peter Ney explained: “This year we extended our school partnerships to secure more field access, meaning our younger age groups now have dedicated training and game-day fields. We’ve also looked for ways to give back, like hosting school bake sales on match days and working with the local athletics club to share facilities.”
The club has also refreshed its sponsorship strategy to focus on local business partnerships. Marketing Director Susanne Miller said the results have been clear: “It’s all about local supporting local. By delivering real value to our partners, we’ve grown sponsorship income year on year while building community spirit.”
Thanks to the Department of Health’s Play Our Way grant, The Gap is now constructing new all-ability female change rooms, its biggest infrastructure project in recent years. Alongside community donations, the club has also been able to deliver practical upgrades like field drainage, new bubblers, and soon, air-conditioning in the uniform shop.
Vice President Simon Sherwood said every improvement has been driven by volunteers: “Every dollar has gone straight back into the club. Together, we’re creating better facilities for everyone.”
Executive Treasurer Claire Gahan said the Club Changer program has been vital in helping volunteers manage growth: “It gave us a clear structure, resources, and a roadmap to follow. For a 99% volunteer-led organisation, that support has been invaluable.”
The Gap has no plans to slow down. With demand for football still climbing, the club is already looking at future opportunities, from additional fields and an artificial pitch to new coach education initiatives and an all-abilities football program.
“We’re a club with big ambitions and we’ll keep working to provide the best possible experience for our players and community,” said Chris Murdoch.
If your club is interested in learning more about the Club Changer program, please contact our Club Changer State Program Manager, Sean Kelly, at community@footballqueensland.com.au.
