Baldivis Volunteer Chelsee Christianus Helping Build More Than a Football Club

For Chelsee Christianus, volunteering at Baldivis Football Club has never been about titles. Officially, she serves as the club secretary, but as many around the club would tell you, Chelsee is one of those volunteers who simply does whatever needs to be done.

From helping with apparel orders and unpacking deliveries to cleaning dishes in the kitchen or managing club administration, Chelsee is part of the engine room behind one of the Perth Football League’s biggest community clubs.

With nine senior teams, 36 junior and youth teams, plus Auskick participants, Baldivis has grown into a football powerhouse in Perth’s southern corridor, and Chelsee has been there through much of that growth.

Her involvement first began when her son joined Auskick at five years old. Now 18, he is playing his first season of Colts, while Chelsee remains deeply involved in helping the club operate week in and week out.

“One of my girlfriends was the registrar at the time, and they were looking for someone,” Chelsee said.

“She caught me at a weak moment and said, ‘Come and meet the president, we could use you.'”

That conversation sparked years of volunteering, including a period where Chelsee balanced both secretary and senior registrar duties simultaneously.

While the workload can be demanding, Chelsee says the reward comes from seeing what community football provides people beyond the game itself.

“It’s the feel-good about it for me,” she said.

“I enjoy putting time back into the community. If volunteers don’t do it, kids can’t play footy. Footy doesn’t take to the field.”

For Chelsee, the club represents far more than wins and losses on a Saturday.

She spoke passionately about ensuring Baldivis remains a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, from young players and families doing it tough, to women finding connection and support through football during difficult periods in their lives.

“We just want to make sure there’s a place where people can come and enjoy themselves,” she said.

“There’s women who have gone through tough times, but they know the club is their happy place. Training and games are their time and their connection.”

Chelsee also reflected proudly on the club’s development over the years, particularly the transformation from modest facilities to the impressive home Baldivis now calls its own.

“A lot of hard work went into the facilities we’ve got now,” she said.

“That really is a proud moment for myself and the club.”

Despite her humility and reluctance to take the spotlight, Chelsee’s impact is clear through the people and community she helps support every season.

This National Volunteer Week, the Perth Football League proudly celebrates volunteers like Chelsee, whose countless hours behind the scenes help ensure community football remains a place where everyone belongs.