THE LOVE CAFE
You know you're taking a creative leap when you start a cafe… and don’t even drink coffee
If someone were to ask why I created the Love Cafe, I would show them this photo. It captures three generations—each as vital to this ecosystem as the next.
There were the mothers on the team, who overcame the unique challenges of balancing motherhood and competition.
University Students trying to make enough to play.
And there were teammates living far away, training on their own without a local communit
While there can be a lot of adversity to big campaigns- we celebrated diversity at the Love Cafe.
THE BREIF:
With a turnaround time of 5 months until the Australian Women's Teams first campaign tournament, could we create an environment that fostered connections and gave everyone a chance to feel included regardless of their location or role.
THE BIRTH OF THE LOVE CAFE
It all started with a nod to the originals: Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis, two Australian Men's Cricket players who shared hotel rooms and built camaraderie through countless weeks on tour. With a two-week hotel stay ahead of us in Manila, their approach felt like the perfect inspiration. And so, a humble hotel room—with a luckily acquired full-sized fridge, a kettle, and a few borrowed mugs—quickly transformed into a unique space we named The Love Cafe.
For one hour each morning, a small group of teammates gathered—no schedules, no expectations—just a cup of warmth (but considering Manilla's heat it was often iced) and time to connect before the day began.
By the third day, word started to spread. The Love Cafe wasn’t just a team hangout anymore. Athletes from New Zealand, Japan, and other teams began showing up, curious about the “cafe” that had everyone talking. Soon, the hotel lobby buzzed with questions like, “Where’s the Love Cafe?" The hotel, meanwhile, happily redirected curious inquiries from our “fans” in the lobby to their buffet breakfast downstairs.
It was a great start to the campaign where we not only bonded but also went on to win our first gold medal for the Australian women’s team in 33 years.
Mandatory Icebaths before a cuppa
We may have a problem
The solution
Activities at the love cafe
Happy Customers
A customer who googled the love cafe
The Love Cafe was a testament to the idea that when you invest in people, the results—whether in sports or business—are far greater than the sum of individual efforts. In the end, investing in people turned out to be our best brew yet. By the finish, our team had become more than just teammates; we had become a community—once separated by age, geography, and demographics. The Love Cafe left behind a legacy that proved success isn’t just about what you serve, but who you build it with.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to build a strong team is by focusing on the emotional and personal bonds that bring people together. Whether it’s over a cup of coffee or a conversation before a big match, those connections are what truly make a team great.
So, for anyone doubting their qualifications to start something meaningful—remember, sometimes even a non-coffee drinker can start a cafe with a lasting impact.
EXPANDING INTO 2024
From Manila to Melbourne, Sydney, Germany, and finally to our last hurrah on the Gold Coast in September 2024, the Love Cafe became much more than a pop-up coffee spot. By the time we reached the Gold Coast, we had an entire “staff”—3 head baristas, 1 tea brewer (and owner),seamstresses, cooks, and a steady stream of “customers.” But the real magic? It was never about the coffee; it was about creating a space where people felt seen and supported.
As the Love Cafe traveled, it became more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. It became a symbol of unity, inclusion, and care. Whether it was a teammate sharing their personal struggles, or simply having a casual conversation about life outside of sports, the cafe provided an opportunity for players to engage with one another in a meaningful way.
After securing Australia’s spot in the World Games and finishing third at the World Ultimate Championship, the best result an Australian Women's Team has ever achieved- the intense two years of sacrifice, hard work, and dedication made the Love Cafe feel like the perfect cherry on top.
THE LEGACY
Scott and Tony - loyal Customers G and Eva - Head Baristas Kat - Bread Maker P - Owner
Team Trainings Fuelled By Banana Bread
Rosie - Head Embroider
Alex and Simar - Wrist Band Aficionados
Our Wristbands for our Fundraiser
Liv H - Logo Design
Training Fuelled By Banana Bread
Achievements Fuelled by Love
Laura Team Australian Physio - Head of security
Happy Customers
Jess - Morning shift
Happy Customers!
Embroidery Team