TEACHER, coach and recording officer Samantha Berry sets a wonderful example when she encourages young athletes to be “multi-faceted”.
The Rosewood Little Athletics official and mentor is excited about the 2023-24 club season knowing many of her returning competitors have just enjoyed winter sport.
“It’s very helpful,” Berry said, of young people playing sports like soccer and netball before returning to club athletics.
“The kids at that young age are not supposed to focus on one discipline so the more multi-faceted they are, the better.”
She said what kids learnt during athletics aligned with skills needed in other sports.
“You have to move. In netball, football, soccer, you have to run,” Berry said.
Rosewood Little Athletics caters for Tiny Tots (3-5 years) and participants from under-6 to under-18.
After the Rosewood branch’s recent sign-on, Berry is thrilled to see 60-70 athletes preparing to enjoy the summer sport.
“We have got heaps of new members,” she said, noting the club had about 50 regular competitors last season.
Berry, who teaches at Silkstone State School, is also a Level 2 coach working with Rosewood club athletes.
She appreciated a recent visit from highly regarded Ipswich and District Athletics Club coach and Athletics Australia mentor Theresa “Marty” Stolberg.
“We’ve had really great feedback from the new families on our training days,” Berry said.
“Marty came and did the high jump and hurdles.”
As a music teacher with coaching qualifications, Berry also works with students during school athletics events in the Rosewood club’s off-season.
She finds that also helps teenagers develop their all-round abilities.
“It keeps the kids fit and training,” she said.
“School athletics is done through winter and it supports the kids moving through and keeps the skills current.”
Club president and registrar Kyrlie Thomson was pleased to see a growth in Tiny Tots numbers and athletes from under-9 to under 11.
“Under 11s are our biggest group this year,” Thomson said, preparing for her second season in the leadership role.
“The numbers are looking really good. Very excited.”
Other executive members joining Thomson and Berry are incoming secretary Alanna Williams, treasurer/canteen coordinator Jo Patterson, Tiny Tots co-ordinator Brianna Mellor, fundraising coordinator Julie Grealy and groundspersons Louise and Paul McNamara.
Thomson said the club has just secured 40 new hurdles from fundraising efforts.
“That’s a good focus for the club,” she said.
Rosewood Little Athletics was formed in 1986 by a small group of parents who saw a need in the community.
The first season of competition was held in 1987.
Among major events this season are the State Relay Championships on December 2, Ipswich Twilight Carnival (January 27) and State Championships (March 22-24).
