In a significant milestone for Regional Football, Daylesford & Hepburn United SC has emerged as the 50th Regional Club to achieve 1 Star Status under the Football Australia (FA) Club Changer Program, facilitated by Football Victoria (FV) across the second half of 2023.
This accomplishment highlights the club's dedication to their own growth and engagement of Women & Girls within football and sheds light on the unique challenges faced by Regional Football Clubs and the pivotal role of FV in fostering their growth and development.
Dianne Tran of Daylesford & Hepburn United SC said the Club resonates with the program and is "well on its way" to achieving 50% female representation in their committee and player registrations.
"The Club Changer program embodies everything that the Daylesford & Hepburn United Soccer Club believe in and promote - inclusiveness, community and positivity," she said.
"Our Club has always been a grassroots, community Club first and foremost, and we look forward to seeing the Club continue to grow as we work with Football Victoria and Hepburn Shire Council to develop new and exciting plans that will hopefully also see major upgrades to the Club's infrastructure to support our Women & Girls growth."
Daylesford & Hepburn United SC, nestled in the picturesque landscape of the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, has met these challenges head-on to attain 1 Star Status, implementing a Women & Girls Action Plan that provides a clear pathway for the club to improve and reach new heights.
Regional football clubs face distinctive challenges that set them apart from their metropolitan counterparts. Limited resources, smaller participation pools, and geographical constraints often pose hurdles to the development of these clubs.
Daylesford & Hepburn United SC joins the ranks of other successful 1 Star Regional Clubs, being produced from regions such as Mildura all the way down to Warrnambool, across through Wodonga, over to Gippsland, and everywhere in between. These success stories underscore the effectiveness of Football Victoria's initiatives and commitment to creating a thriving football ecosystem beyond metropolitan borders that will continue in 2024 with a renewed focus on Safeguarding, and Women & Girls participation.
FV will continue to support Regional Clubs, like Daylesford & Hepburn United SC, across 2024 by providing the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to overcome their unique challenges and to implement positive changes, enhance Club governance and operations, and ultimately achieve recognition for their efforts.
As more Regional Clubs embrace the Club Changer Program, the landscape of Regional Football is set to evolve. Football Victoria's commitment to providing ongoing support and resources ensures that Regional Clubs can continue to grow and contribute to the broader success of the Victorian and Australian football landscape. As the success stories like Daylesford & Hepburn United SC continue to unfold, the future looks bright for Regional Football across Victoria.
Learn more about FA Club Changer Program!