The Football Queensland Club Changer Club of the Month for April is Emerald Eagles FC, who have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to growing the women and girls space within their club community.

Over the past 12 months, Emerald Eagles FC has experienced significant growth in female participation, with women and girls now making up over one-third of the club’s total membership. This growth has been driven by a clear and intentional focus on creating accessible, inclusive, and connected opportunities for female players of all ages and abilities.

“Our biggest milestone has been the introduction of our Girls United Ladies 6-a-side social competition,” said Club Vice-President and Women and Girls Ambassador Jess Chay.

“This program has welcomed over 60 female participants to the club and continues to be a key driver of engagement, providing a flexible, inclusive, and social environment that meets the needs of women in our community.”

The competition has created an important connection point for experienced players, mothers, new participants, and those returning to the game, while also providing a clear pathway for female youth players transitioning out of junior football.

“It allows them to continue playing in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment while maintaining their connection to the club,” Chay said.

Complementing this initiative has been the continued development of the club’s all-girls pathway. In 2025, Emerald Eagles FC introduced its first all-girls U10/11 representative team, which has expanded in 2026 to include U10/11 and U12/13 representative teams, alongside an U8/9 development squad.

“This opportunity provides a pathway for our girls to develop, compete, and progress while also strengthening long-term engagement in the sport,” Chay said.

The club’s proactive approach has been particularly evident following the surge of interest in women’s football inspired by the CommBank Matildas.

“We recognised the importance of creating meaningful opportunities to convert that interest into long-term participation,” Chay said.

In 2025, the club embraced Female Football Week through a series of initiatives including all-girls match days, a ladies exhibition game, and club-wide celebrations. These events helped build visibility, strengthen connections, and foster a strong sense of belonging within the female playing group.

A standout outcome has been the growth of mentorship within the club, with older female players supporting and encouraging younger girls.

Alongside participation initiatives, Emerald Eagles FC has continued to invest in coach education and development, supporting strong female representation in coaching and leadership roles, while also creating pathways for players to transition into coaching, refereeing, and volunteering.

The club’s progress has been underpinned by its involvement in the Club Changer program, which has helped shape a more strategic and intentional approach to growth.

“Through the program, we identified key gaps in female participation and retention and developed a clear Women and Girls Action Plan,” Chay said. “This has allowed us to move from passive growth to delivering targeted initiatives that have led to measurable outcomes.”

The impact has extended beyond participation numbers, contributing to a broader cultural shift within the club.

“We are now seeing more families engaged, with sisters joining brothers on the field rather than watching from the sidelines,” she said.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Emerald Eagles FC is focused on building on this momentum.

“On the field, we aim to further strengthen our female development pathways and continue growing our all-girls teams,” Chay said.

“Off the field, we are focused on expanding participation opportunities, particularly within our social programs, while continuing to support the development of female coaches, volunteers, and leaders.”

Sustainability remains a key priority, with a strong focus on retention and long-term engagement, alongside ongoing work to improve facilities and infrastructure to support the club’s growing female player base.

For other clubs considering starting their own Club Changer journey, Chay’s message is simple.

“Start now and be intentional. Identify your gaps, commit to action, and focus on creating opportunities that meet the needs of your community,” she said.

“You don’t need to have everything perfect from the beginning. What matters is building momentum and continuing to improve.”

At its core, Emerald Eagles FC remains a community-driven club committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and family-friendly environment for all.

“Our growth in the women and girls space reflects a broader vision to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be involved in football,” Chay said.

“Whether it’s through junior development pathways, representative opportunities, or flexible social programs, we are proud to offer a place where players can start, stay, and thrive in the game.”

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