Club Culture

At Inverloch Stars Soccer Club, our culture is lived every day — on the pitch, on the sidelines, and behind the scenes. We’re a welcoming, community-driven club where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities feel at home.

Whether you’re playing, coaching, cheering, or helping out, you’re part of a team that values respect, inclusion, effort, and fun.

We believe in growth through effort — that with encouragement, persistence, and support, every player and person involved can improve and thrive. We value teamwork and personal development over results, measuring success by confidence, enjoyment, and belonging.

From MiniRoos to Seniors, and volunteers to supporters, we lead with positivity, support each other, and play with passion. We’re proud of the strong, inclusive environment we’ve built — where everyone contributes, every role matters, and there’s always a place for you in the Stars family.

This is who we are week in, week out — on the pitch, on the sidelines, and behind the scenes.

CORE VALUES

1. Community First

We’re a welcoming, family-focused club where players, parents, coaches, and volunteers support each other on and off the pitch.

2. Respect for All

We show respect to teammates, opponents, referees, coaches, volunteers, and the game — every training, every match.

3. Inclusion & Belonging

Everyone is welcome. We celebrate diversity and create an environment where every player feels valued, safe, and part of the Stars family.

4. Teamwork

We play for each other. We communicate well, put the team first, and celebrate collective effort over individual glory.

5. Player Development

We focus on long-term improvement — building skills, confidence, and character rather than chasing short-term results.

6. Positive Support

We encourage through calm, constructive guidance. Our sidelines, coaches, and leaders lift players up and help them grow.

7. Safety & Wellbeing

We prioritise both physical and emotional wellbeing, ensuring a safe, healthy environment for every player to thrive.

8. Growth Through Effort

We improve by trying. Showing up, working hard, taking feedback, embracing challenges, playing different roles, and respecting decisions helps every player grow — effort builds character.

9. Play With Joy

We play because football is fun. Hard work matters, but enjoying the game, laughing with teammates, and loving the experience is what keeps us coming back.

MINIROOS

This is where the football journey begins – focused on fun, inclusion, and learning through play. Coaches lead with energy, creating a safe space where kids build confidence, friendships, and a love for the game. Keep it simple, positive, and let the game be the teacher. It might feel like herding cats at times – but if they’re smiling and playing, you’re doing a great job.

· Fun always comes first.

· Coaches are leaders and create a safe, inclusive and engaging environment.

· Build relationships with every player. Know every child’s name and help them feel they belong.

· Be positive, patient, and flexible - focus on what kids do well.

· Let the game teach. Follow the FFA Discovery Phase, high-touch high-fun, low-pressure.

· Recognise that players learn and mature at different rates.

· Be planned, prepared, and ready. Start on time and keep players engaged.

· Let them play – avoid over-coaching during games.

· Ensure equal game time and opportunities to try all positions.

· Set clear boundaries for parents – coaches coach, parents support with positive cheering.

COMPETITIVE JUNIORS 

This is where players start building real skills, understanding the game, and learning how to be great teammates. Competition increases, but fun, development, and inclusion still come first. Coaches help players grow in confidence, handle challenges, and enjoy being part of a team. Every session won’t be perfect, steady growth over the season means we’re doing it right.

We know the teenage years can be tough, and many kids drop out of sport. That’s why we support our players on and off the field and create a culture they want to be part of.

· Keep football fun and engaging, enjoyment drives effort and growth.

· Coach positively. Praise effort and progress.

· Support every player as an individual. Know their names, build relationships, and adapt to different learning styles and needs.

· Focus on skill development and team play, following the FFA curriculum – the Skill Acquisition and Game Training phases.

· Ensure meaningful game time and value every players.

· Promote respect, fair play, and leadership on and off the field.

· Build clear pathways, to youth and senior soccer. Prepare them for playing at higher levels.

· Development comes first, if we get that right, winning will follow.

· Measure success through confidence, enjoyment, and player retention.

SENIOR MEN & WOMEN

Seniors lead by example. As youth players progress into senior teams, they are welcomed with the same positivity and support that shaped their journey. Senior players model respect, positive behaviour, and our coaching philosophy, setting the tone. Seniors help grow the club through leadership, volunteering, and active involvement in our football community. The goal is to build a supportive team culture, develop players, grow the squad, and stay committed and focused on performance. We aim to play the best football we can — and enjoy it together as a team