Vanessa Hall
Editor
AN ELEVENTH-HOUR plea is being asked of the community to ensure the future of the North Shore Football Club, with the club uncertain of its future beyond 2025 due to financial constraints and a lack of members and players.
The long-standing grassroots club based in Mudjimba is calling for urgent community support as it faces a dramatic drop in player numbers and volunteers, putting its future beyond 2025 at serious risk.
To kick things off, the club is inviting all locals, past players, families, and supporters to attend a ‘Community Chat’ on Wednesday, May 14, at the club on Nojoor Road, Mudjimba.
Secretary Nikole Cassin said the club currently only has 72 registered players, and they were unable to field teams in many junior age groups for the 2024 season.
“We’re not ready to let this club go.
“We’re determined to bring back the energy, joy, and community connection that grassroots football is all about — and we need the community’s help to do it.”
In an effort to fight for their survival, the club has launched a new campaign – ‘Reignite the Roar’, aimed at re-engaging local families, attracting new volunteers and rebuilding the community spirit the North Shore Football Club was known for.
“We need volunteers for the committee, and we also need coaches and managers,” Nikole said.
“These volunteers give around two hours a week for training and are also on hand for game days, and the committee meets once a month.”
Coaches do not have to have a child playing, the only requirement is a blue card and knowledge and passion for football.
The club is also feeling very real financial pressure, with money needed for lighting upgrades to the field and memberships down due to money being tight with many families.
“There are no more FairPlay vouchers, and these $200 vouchers helped many struggling families with membership costs and that then meant that for the juniors, the only out-of-pocket expense was for uniforms,” Nikole said.
“We are cheaper than many other clubs, but it’s still expensive, and those vouchers really did help.”
FairPlay vouchers were an initiative by the state government where parents, carers or guardians could apply for a voucher valued up to $200 for their child, which could then be used towards sporting endeavours with a registered provider. There has been no announcement if there will be more rounds of these vouchers.
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said that she would be meeting with the club at their Community Chat on Wednesday, May 14.
“The North Shore Football Club is one of the Coast’s grassroots football clubs, which are so important to the local community and families to keep children engaged and interested in sport – these clubs are jewels in the crown of the Sunshine Coast.
“I look forward to working with club members to get more community support and advocate for the help they need.”
The Community Chat will be an opportunity for the community to come together and work on a plan as to how the club can survive.
“We need numbers,” Nikole said.
“Our community is amazing and very family-friendly, and football is such a great sport.
“It’s great for social and motor skills, and we really want to be able to provide opportunities, but we need help to do that.”
Community Chat Details
Who: All locals, past players, families, and supporters are invited to the chat with both MP Fiona Simpson and Cr Taylor Bunnag attending
Date: Wednesday, May 14 2025
Time: 4:30 PM
Where: North Shore Football Club – Nojoor Rd, Mudjimba
What: This casual event will be a chance to hear the club’s plan, offer support, and get involved — no matter how big or small.