Koorda Football Club and the Central Wheatbelt Football League are set to make history in the WA Football Champion Club Program.

The Koorda FC  and CWFL will become the first Country Football WA-affiliated club and league to achieve Foundation Level status through the Champion Club Program.

WA Football launched the Champion Club Program, an initiative aimed at improving community football across the State, back in February.

The program has three main priorities - strengthening club governance, improving volunteer management and enhancing operational effectiveness at community level. 

The Champion Club Program is designed to assist clubs in meeting and exceeding governance and club development benchmarks. 

The program consists of two levels, the first of which is Foundation Level which Koorda and the CWFL have achieved. 

To reach Foundation Level clubs need to establish the essential governance requirements for club administration. 

The next level - Premiership Level - recognises clubs that demonstrate outstanding governance and operational excellence.

Koorda President Nick Chandler said his club was excited to be the trend-setters in regional WA, joining metro junior clubs as well as several Perth Football League clubs to thrive in the program.

“Over the past five years, our club has consistently supported and embraced new initiatives aimed at strengthening our local community,” Chandler said.

“When the Champion Club Program was introduced, we saw it as a proactive opportunity to further our commitment to good governance and high standards.

“We have really supported all the programs coming out over the past five years, participating in Tackle Your Feelings Program and winning the Country Football Wellbeing Program.

“We saw the Champion Club Program as an opportunity to get on the front foot and ensure we had processes and procedures required to meet our compliance obligations and ensure sustained success of our football club.” 

Chandler has declared the result a wonderful reward for the community.

“It is a proud achievement for our club and a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure we run everything smoothly,” he said.

“For the greater community it gives assurance that we are complaint with all our obligations and shows that we take our duties seriously and do what we say we will do.  

“We are a large organisation with immense community involvement.

“This achievement reinforces our role as a safe, secure, and inclusive space where people can come together.

“Whether it’s supporting one another, catching up with friends, promoting mental wellbeing, providing entertainment or simply offering a welcoming environment, our club is a vital hub for connection and support in the greater community.”

Central Wheatbelt Football League Executive Officer Lauren Yates believes participating in the program has produced great results. 

“As a league, we’re committed to fostering strong governance and setting a positive example for all our affiliated clubs,” Yates said. 

“Participating in the program gives us confidence that our league is being managed effectively, both on and off the field, and helps ensure that we are upholding the standards expected in community sport. 

Achieving Foundation Level status is a strong indicator that Central Wheatbelt Football League is moving in the right direction, according to Yates. 

“It validates the effort our committee and members have put into running a transparent, well-managed league. 

“For the local community, it reinforces trust in our operations and assures everyone involved that we’re focused on sustainability.” 

Yates is convinced regional clubs should consider taking part in the initiative. 

“The Champion Club Program lays down a clear and practical framework that helps regional clubs build strong foundations,” she said. 

“By promoting good governance and accountability, the program supports long-term viability. 

“It empowers clubs and leagues to make informed decisions, attract and retain volunteers, and ultimately create a thriving, community-driven environment for footy to grow into the future.” 

Zac Binning, WA Football’s Club Development and Volunteers Specialist, said it was encouraging to see clubs in country WA take advantage of the Champion Club Program and hopes more will follow Koorda’s lead. 

“The effort Koorda Football Club in the Central Wheatbelt has put into the program is a testament to the importance of good governance and volunteer management in country football,” Binning said. 

“We’re proud to announce Koorda’s status as a Foundation Level club in the Champion Club Program. 

“We believe Koorda serves as a great example of how clubs in regional WA can thrive by adopting best practices. 

“WA Football looks forward to seeing even more clubs across the State get involved in the program moving forward.”

Joining the Champion Club Program offers your club the opportunity to attract new participants, members, and volunteers by establishing strong governance practices that drive membership and engagement.

For further details and registration information, visit the Champion Club Program page