Discovery Coast Football Club
Strategic Plan 2026–2029
Vision
To become the leading community football club on the Discovery Coast, providing opportunities for participation, development and competition for everyone while building one of Queensland’s most inclusive football communities.
Purpose
To provide accessible, affordable and enjoyable football opportunities that inspire lifelong participation, develop players of all abilities, promote gender equity, and strengthen community connections through football.
Core Values
- Inclusion
- Respect
- Community
- Development
- Integrity
- Opportunity
Strategic Priorities
1. Participation Growth
Grow football participation across all age groups by providing high-quality football experiences that are welcoming, affordable and inclusive.
2. Gender Equity & Inclusion
Discovery Coast Football Club is committed to creating equal opportunities for girls and boys to participate in football.
The club recognises that football is a sport for everyone and is committed to becoming a leader in female participation within regional Queensland.
Our Goal
Increase female participation from the current 30% of registered players to achieve an overall membership comprising:
- 50% Female
- 50% Male
by the conclusion of this strategic plan.
This will be achieved by:
- Recruiting more girls into junior football
- Supporting female coaches and volunteers
- Creating a welcoming and inclusive club culture
- Ensuring equal access to coaching, facilities and playing opportunities
- Promoting female football role models
- Partnering with schools and community groups to encourage girls to participate
The club will measure and publicly report female participation annually to ensure continual progress towards this goal.
Player Development
Provide quality coaching pathways that allow players of every ability to improve and enjoy football.
4. Infrastructure Development
Develop permanent football facilities that meet the needs of the growing Discovery Coast community.
5. Community Engagement
Become a recognised community hub supporting projects that improve the wellbeing of local families beyond football.
Four-Year Roadmap
Year One (2026)
Foundation & Establishment
Participation
- Establish a player base of 50–70 players
- Deliver weekly skills training
- Deliver weekly social football
- Create a welcoming environment for all families
Gender Equity
- Increase female participation from 30% to 35%
- Introduce an “all inclusive” recruitment campaign
- Recruit female volunteers and coaches
Competition
- Launch the inaugural Pelican Cup 5-a-Side Competition
Infrastructure
- Secure Council agreement on a permanent football ground
- Progress Development Approval for the new facility
Year Two (2027)
Growth & Competitive Entry
Participation
- Increase membership by 30%
- Establish senior player base (18+)
Gender Equity
- Increase female participation to 40%
Competition
- Enter teams into Football Queensland Gladstone and/or Bundaberg competitions
- Deliver the second Pelican Cup
Infrastructure
- Complete ground works
- Establish the playing surface
Year Three (2028)
Consolidation & Facility Development
Participation
- Increase membership by 20%
Gender Equity
- Increase female participation to 45%
Competition
- Expand Football Queensland teams
- Establish both 5-a-side and full-team internal competitions
- Establish walking football
Infrastructure
- Relocate to the club’s permanent home
- Commence construction of:
- Clubhouse
- Amenities
- Café
- Spectator facilities
Year Four (2029)
Sustainability & Community Leadership
Participation
- Increase membership by a further 20%
Gender Equity
- Achieve the club’s strategic objective of:
- 50% Female Participation
- 50% Male Participation
Competition
- Become a fully established Football Queensland club
- Host regular home fixtures at the club’s facilities
Community
Develop the club into a regional community hub delivering:
- Child road safety programs
- School holiday activities
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
- Community education programs
- Family recreation events
Key Performance Indicators
By the conclusion of 2029, Discovery Coast Football Club aims to achieve:
| Objective | Target |
| Registered Players | 120+ |
| Female Participation | 50% |
| Male Participation | 50% |
| Football Queensland Teams | Multiple age groups |
| Permanent Playing Fields | Completed |
| Clubhouse Development | Underway |
| Internal Competitions | 5-a-side and full-team competitions |
| Home Fixtures | Regular Football Queensland matches |
| Community Programs | Annual calendar established |
| Volunteer Base | Year-on-year growth |
Long-Term Vision Beyond 2029
Discovery Coast Football Club aims to become recognised as one of Queensland’s leading regional football clubs—not only for player development and facilities, but for its commitment to equality, inclusion and community. By maintaining a balanced 50/50 gender participation, developing strong pathways for both girls and boys, and providing a welcoming environment for all families, the club will demonstrate that football can unite communities and create lifelong opportunities for everyone.