When you think of Mindil in Darwin, you’re probably usually thinking about the markets, or perhaps the beautiful dry season sunsets. The Mindil Aces are making sure that football is being put on the map as well.
Australia Cup Northern Territory Finalists, Mindil Aces, have been awarded Club Changer Club of the Month in May because of their incredible work in the women’s football space. The club, who were also named Football Northern Territory’s April Club of the Month for the same reason, see the sky as the limit.
The club was formed in 1980 and soon became a force in Darwin football, winning the 1984 men’s premiership. The club prided itself on values of fair play, sportsmanship, and family values.
Now, they have become early and enthusiastic adopters of the Football Australia Club Changer program, recently becoming a two-star club off the back of their work in growing their female program.
Adding to their traditional success on the men’s side, they won all three senior women’s trophies available to them in 2024. This year, they grew by two teams, from 126 total female players to 157. The club’s percentage of female players has risen from 31% to 39%.
Grace Lambourne, the National Program Manager – Club Development at Football Australia, said that she was proud of the club for their progress.
“The progress that Mindil Aces have made over the last few years in their women’s program shows the value of the Football Australia Club Changer program, and how it can increase opportunities for women and girls in football,” she said.
One of the ways that they have built the player base is through Come and Try days, where they provide an opportunity for women and girls to try the sport for the first time in a welcoming environment.
Barbeques and social activities are put on to encourage players to come out and give football a go.
They have also prioritised the use of young players on the pitch, where they are given every opportunity to shine after coming through the junior ranks at the Aces.
Football Northern Territory’s Paula DaCosta said that she is proud of the recognition that the Mindil Aces are receiving.
“We have great pride in our local clubs in the Northern Territory, and it is fantastic to see them succeeding,” she said.
“It is a recognition of their hard work behind the scenes to improve conditions for women and girls in football.”
They’ll have a challenge on their hands defending their Women’s Premier League title after Hellenic AC came out of the blocks fast, defeating them on matchday one.
However, much more importantly, Mindil Aces will continue to aspire be a space where women and girls can learn and grow in a positive environment – and that is a feel-good story.