Capital Football is pleased to recognise Canberra White Eagles Football Club (WEFC) as the Club Changer Club of the Month for March, highlighting the club’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community impact.

As part of Football Australia’s Club Changer Program, which supports clubs to build strong, sustainable and inclusive environments, WEFC has demonstrated leadership through a proactive approach to removing financial barriers to participation.

Central to this initiative is the club’s Junior Development commitment to offer a fee-free place within every junior team, expanding on Football Australia’s recommended single fee-free position across the club. This approach ensures greater access to football for families experiencing financial hardship and reflects a clear commitment to inclusive participation.

The initiative has already delivered tangible outcomes, with two children from a financially disadvantaged family recently registered at no cost, enabling them to participate fully in the sport.

In implementing this program, WEFC also identified alignment with the St Vincent de Paul “Every Chance to Play” initiative, which provides government-supported subsidies to eligible families. By complementing this program, the club is supporting those who may not qualify or may otherwise miss out, while also enabling broader distribution of available funding across the community.

This work reflects an understanding of the barriers faced by some ACT families in accessing sport and recreation, and the broader impact this has on physical health, mental wellbeing, and community connection.

Through initiatives such as this, Canberra White Eagles FC continues to strengthen its role as a community-focused club, creating positive environments for players, families, and volunteers.

The club’s efforts align with the ACT Government’s CBR Next Move strategy, supporting targeted investment to increase participation and remove barriers to sport.

With pre-season now underway, WEFC is preparing for the upcoming season and continues to welcome new players and volunteers across its junior programs.

Clubs interested in learning more about the Club Changer Program or implementing similar initiatives are encouraged to contact Capital Football’s Head of Participation and Member Services, to explore how the program can support their club.

Contact Esperance Anderson, Head of Participation and Member Services, by email Esperance.Anderson@capitalfootball.com.au