In Far North Queensland, Redlynch Strikers United FC is doing more than producing talented footballers – it’s creating a safe, inclusive, and values-driven environment for all members of its community.
The club has seen impressive growth across all age levels over the past three years. In 2025 alone, female participation rose by 33%, highlighting Redlynch’s commitment to access, equity, and inclusion. With that growth has come responsibility – a challenge the club has embraced with purpose.
Safeguarding at Redlynch is not simply a requirement – it’s at the heart of how the club operates. Supported by Football Australia’s Club Changer program, the club has taken meaningful steps to ensure every player and member feels safe, supported, and included.
Redlynch has implemented a formal Safeguarding Policy, adopted a Child Safety Framework, introduced anonymous reporting tools, and appointed a dedicated Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) – all to strengthen a culture built on care and trust.
“The safeguarding modules through Club Changer have been a game changer,” said Theola Bell, MPIO and Registrar at the club. “They’ve helped us shift our thinking from compliance to culture. It’s not just about having the right documents; it’s about creating an environment where every player and family feels protected.”
Education plays a key role in Redlynch’s strategy. Players and families can now easily access safeguarding resources via QR codes and club information packs. The club also runs sessions on mental wellbeing, respectful communication, cultural understanding, and female-specific recovery – helping players grow both on and off the field.
A strong commitment to inclusion sets Redlynch apart. The club proudly embraces its multicultural community through themed match days and cultural celebrations. It also reduces participation barriers through inclusive policies and community-centred programs, aligning closely with Football Australia’s ‘Welcoming Clubs’ values.
Whether it’s fostering youth leadership, promoting gender equity, or opening up new leadership pathways, Redlynch is helping to shape a future for grassroots football that is safe, inclusive, and future-ready.
“We’re not just planning for the next season,” said Bell. “We’re planning for the next generation.”
Recent highlights for the club include:
- A 33% rise in female player participation
- Secured funding for a new clubhouse and three full-size pitches
- Rollout of the Member Protection Information Framework
- Growth in youth development and multicultural engagement initiatives
Redlynch now operates across two training sites and is guided by Vice Presidents Ryan Newman and Christian Cook – both deeply involved in coaching and club strategy. Their leadership ensures that Redlynch’s values are consistently reflected on and off the pitch.
To clubs yet to join the Club Changer journey, Redlynch offers a clear message:
“Club Changer gave us the frameworks, the education, and most importantly, the confidence to take meaningful action,” said Bell. “It doesn’t matter if your focus is safeguarding, governance, or growth, the program will meet you where you’re at and help you build from there.”
