The Colac Otway Rovers Soccer Club is kicking major goals both on and off the pitch, with explosive growth in participation, strong community engagement, and the historic formation of the club’s first-ever female teams in 2025.
Back in 2023, the Rovers fielded just two teams, a Senior Men’s and a Junior Boys side. Fast forward to 2025, and the club will proudly field ten teams, including four senior squads (three Men's and one Women's) and six junior teams, with two of them female-only sides. This rapid expansion is not only a reflection of the community’s growing love for the game, but also the result of a clear vision, dedicated leadership and the Club Changer Program.
A new committee formed in 2023 with a focus on grassroots development and female engagement. The club launched a dedicated Action Plan for Women and Girls, earning them 1 Star Club status in 2024.
The plan set out key goals: appoint a Female Football Coordinator, increase opportunities for women and girls, grow competitive female teams, and improve education and facilities.
Under the leadership of Tonje Medley, now officially appointed as the club’s Female Football Coordinator, and in partnership with Senior Women’s Coach Rebekah Codling, the club is celebrating real progress. The club has registered nearly 20 senior women and formed its inaugural Under-14 Girls team to compete in the Southwest Victoria Football competition. These girls will play 7-a-side on half pitches, a perfect first step into competitive football.
It all started with small, impactful programs. In 2024, the club ran a MiniRoos/MiniTillies Kick-Off in Term 2, attracting 18 young girls aged 5–11. That led into a seven-week mixed MiniRoos tournament in Term 3, with six teams enjoying regular, structured play. The club also hosted a Monday night "Come and Try" session for Women and Girls, which saw around 35 participants each week: from teenagers to mums and daughters, all training together and loving the game.
The momentum built to a special moment in September 2024, when the Women’s group played a "Young vs Old" showcase match before the final senior men’s home game. With a strong crowd in attendance, the event became a celebration of the club’s journey and the growing enthusiasm around women's football in Colac.
Beyond the pitch, the club has invested in its coaching ranks, running a Foundation of Football coaching course that produced nine new qualified coaches. The club now boasts a strong base of around 250 players, including 30 registered female players, with more growth expected in 2025.
And it’s not just the club with an eye on the future. The Colac Otway Shire Council has commenced a feasibility study into a dedicated soccer facility, with a final report due later this year. A purpose-built space for the club could be on the horizon within five years, an exciting prospect for a club rapidly becoming a central hub for soccer in the region and a place for women and girls to call home.
With passion, planning, and community spirit driving them forward, Colac Otway Rovers is setting a new standard and proving that soccer truly is a game for everyone and embracing programs such as the FA Club Changer Program truly has been a game changer for the club and region.