Behind every successful football club is a team of people working tirelessly behind the scenes, giving their time, energy and passion to ensure players, families and the wider community feel welcome.
New Norfolk Panthers Soccer Club is Football Tasmania’s Club Changer Club of the Month for October 2026, recognised in the Workforce and Volunteers category for the important role its volunteers play in building a strong, inclusive and connected club culture.
Operating primarily through volunteers, the club relies on approximately 45 dedicated people, from committee members and coaches to canteen helpers and those responsible for setting up the grounds. Many take on multiple roles, while others have maintained a long-standing connection to the club, with some involved since its inception.
Secretary Janine White said the club’s strong community ties were central to its volunteer culture.
“Our volunteers bring an authenticity, I guess you could call it. They are or have been players and parents within a smallish community, so word of mouth works best,” she said.
“We have a lot of volunteers who have a long association with the club, some even since its inception.”
For the Panthers, volunteers do more than keep the club running. They help shape the experience of everyone who walks through its doors, creating an environment where new players and families feel included from the moment they arrive.
“We feel volunteers set the tone of the club,” Ms White said. “A friendly greeting at games and training, encouraging words from the coach, or food and drink served with a smile at the canteen makes newcomers feel included and right at home.”
The club places a strong emphasis on ensuring its volunteers feel valued and supported, recognising that the care shown to those giving their time helps foster the same spirit throughout the wider football community.
“We like our volunteers to feel special and supported, and they in turn pay it forward,” she said.
That commitment helps transform regular training sessions and match days into opportunities for connection, with volunteers playing a key role in creating memorable social experiences for players, families and supporters alike.
Beyond their practical contributions, they also set an example for the next generation, demonstrating the importance of community involvement, teamwork and giving back to the game.
Recognising these contributions is an important part of the club’s approach, with the Panthers establishing their own annual award, Panther of the Year, to celebrate those who go above and beyond.
The 2026 award was presented to Rowan Collins, whose contribution reflects the dedication and generosity that underpin the club’s volunteer culture.
Mr Collins has coached his children’s teams, assisted other teams and coaches, and consistently answered the call whenever help is needed.
His recognition highlights the impact one committed individual can have, while celebrating the collective efforts of the many volunteers who make the club possible.
For New Norfolk Panthers, building a strong workforce is not simply about filling positions or sharing responsibilities. It is about creating a welcoming environment where people feel connected, appreciated and motivated to contribute.
As Ms White put it, “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our club!”