THANK YOU MESSAGE FROM MCEFC CLUB PRESIDENT

Dear Members, 

As we have made our way up to what is the first round of fixtures for some teams, and only the quarter of others in 2026, we wish to acknowledge and sincerely thank the many Volunteers who sit at the heart of our Club.

Last week saw National Volunteer Week come and go and at times it is questioned why more isn’t done to promote the Volunteers at the Club, the answer to that is simple: 

They are too humble and busy to ask for someone to blow their trumpet for them.

MCE (like every community sports Club in Australia) has a core group of Volunteers who come from various backgrounds and experiences and give an incalculable amount of time to seeing others be given the best opportunities to be involved in this amazing sport.  

Behind every weekly event, training session, match day, registration and many more activities there are numerous committed individuals giving up their own time and that of their families quietly and far too often without recognition, to ensure our Club continues to run, grow, and provide opportunities for all players and families.

Quite simply, the Club would not exist without their love and passion for the Club and its Members. 

It is vital that we, as the MCE Community, continue to foster a culture of respect, appreciation, and support for those who step forward to help each week.

Positive feedback, patience and understanding go a long way in making volunteering a rewarding experience and to ensure we can retain and attract great people.

We want to acknowledge those of you whom have reached out and communicated your thanks to our Volunteers already as it really does mean a lot.  

We want to thank many who take time to assist even without any formal role or title, who just see a need and take the lead to resolve an issue. We have many members who take on tasks and seek no further acknowledgement, please know you are appreciated and your contribution is part of what makes MCE the Club it is. 

Club Roles - For clarity around the structure of MCEFC, the Club is governed by a Volunteer Committee, and they are supported by a group of volunteers and paid staff who operate within their own specific areas of responsibility.  

The paid roles are engaged to manage key functions of the Club and ensure their respective areas are delivered effectively and professionally. The volunteer roles operate with the same intent and professionalism and seek to ensure a safe, fun and professional environment for all Members at the Club. 

The Committee maintains oversight of all Club operations. In addition, Committee Members often support areas that are not yet resourced by paid staff, or that remain entirely volunteer based.  All Our Committee Members contribute significant time and effort, well beyond what is expected, to support the ongoing success of MCEFC as a whole and they all value every area and every player at this Club. 

A large proportion of the Committee’s time is dedicated to our Community teams and we do continue to have a few vacancies across both official Committee positions, subcommittee and support roles. If you have skills, experience, or simply a willingness to contribute, we welcome your involvement and will engage you with the relevant Committee member to discuss further.  

Our Community Coaches and Academy/Community Managers - The Club is not supported by the Committee Members or Staff alone.

Each year, a large number of Coaches and Managers step forward, many for the first time, to take on team roles, often with little or no prior experience. This is how all of us began our own journeys in the volunteer space in football, and it is a privilege to play a role in the development of our young MCEFC players.   

We are sincerely grateful for the commitment, time, and energy our Coaches and Managers give each week to ensure a safe and fun environment for each player. 

Our Coaches and Team Managers are vital to the development of our players and the culture of our Club. We ask all members to recognise that Coaches and Managers are not only stepping up to develop skills in players, but also setting the standard for behaviour, respect, and sportsmanship. They lead by example, and in doing so, help shape the values and experiences of our players. 

Supporting our Coaches and Managers through respect, communication, and trust ensures they can continue to provide a positive and productive environment for all participants. 

Positive Support on Game Days - We also take this opportunity to remind all members, particularly parents and spectators, of the important role you play on match days.

Our players benefit most from an environment that is positive, encouraging, and focused on their enjoyment and development. 

Sideline behaviour should reflect the values of our Club: respect for players, officials, coaches, and the opposition. Encouraging effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship creates a better experience for everyone involved. Constructive, supportive voices from the sidelines help our players grow in confidence and enjoyment of the game. 

Moreton City Excelsior FC, is in a phase of growth across the Community and Academy, combined with recent on and off field successes of our Senior NPL and QPL teams. 

We have an increasing youth and junior community base in both the boys' and girls' spaces, a strong Kindy program, along with our Academy program and Senior teams from Masters down to Metro level all representing MCEFC.  

We are grateful for all our Members and we hope that everyone can wear the MCE badge with pride and passion wherever they go. Together, we can build not only a successful football club, but a positive, inclusive, and supportive community for everyone involved. 

Thank you again to all our Committee, Coaches, Managers, Volunteers, Staff, and thank you to our Playing Members for your ongoing support. 

Kind regards, 

Club President - Moreton City Excelsior FC Jason Gilbert