Boyne Tannum Sharks Football Club (BITS FC) has been named Football Queensland’s Club Changer Club of the Month for September 2025, recognising their exceptional achievements in governance, committee development, and leadership.

The award reflects BITS FC’s commitment to creating a well-structured club that supports its volunteers and football development, as well as planning strategically for the future. 

Established in 1979, BITS FC is proud to represent the Boyne Island Tannum Sands community. With strong female participation, representation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, and members from a range of cultural backgrounds, BITS FC reflects the diversity of its community. These values guide the Club’s governance and culture, ensuring all members are supported and empowered to contribute to its ongoing growth and success. 

2025 has been a transformative year for BITS FC, both on and off the field. Guided by the outcomes of a comprehensive strategic review, the Club has strengthened its governance structures and processes to ensure accountability and collaboration are present at all levels. Sub-committees were formed to involve subject matter experts in major projects, such as the new $3.1 million clubhouse development.  

Reflecting on their Club Changer journey, BITS FC shared that access to seminars, advice, and guidance from the program has been invaluable. “Football clubs are not the easiest at times,” President Jeff Wells said.  

“Listening to something like the Club Changer seminar that recognises the challenges clubs face and encourages collaboration helps a great deal. It gave us confidence in the path we were on, provided access to new ideas, and new ways of approaching the same problem. It reminded us that leadership is not just about making decisions but about bringing everyone on the journey together.”  

BITS FC encourages other clubs beginning their governance journey to develop a strategic plan that involves the wider community, celebrate successes along the way, embrace change, and maintain a positive, inclusive outlook. Their experience and positive outcomes demonstrate that establishing clear leadership, actively involving volunteers, and creating structured governance processes are critical to achieving sustainable growth and long-term success.  

The appointment of Mark Delaney as BITS FC’s first Director of Football has further provided the club with clear and consistent leadership, supporting the committee, overseeing coaching and player programs, and aligning day-to-day football operations with the Club’s strategic vision. 

In addition, BITS FC introduced an Honorarium policy to encourage volunteer participation and recognise the time and effort of those who support the Club behind the scenes. The implementation of a “One Club” approach has also been a significant milestone, removing boundaries between juniors and seniors, unifying the Club under a single culture to nurture a strong sense of community across all teams.  

The Club has recently completed a constitution review, with resolutions distributed for AGM voting, and plans underway to appoint a Facilities Manager and simplify Club finances in 2026, ensuring the Club is sustainable, well-managed, and ready for future growth. 

From 430 playing members and limited infrastructure in 2024, BITS FC has laid the groundwork to enter 2026 stronger than ever. The Club now has nearly 500 members, fully established development squads for boys and girls across all SAP age groups, and competitive FQPL teams in both men’s and women’s competitions.  

Through strategic planning, strong governance, and a clear focus on leadership, BITS FC is building a progressive and sustainable club culture. Their approach ensures that both on and off the pitch, the Club remains a leader in the Central Coast football community, demonstrating to other clubs that effective governance, engaged leadership, and a united vision can transform a club and its community for the better. 

Football Queensland congratulates Boyne Tannum Sharks FC on being named Club Changer Club of the Month for September 2025 and celebrating their leadership, governance, and inclusive club culture. 

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.