IN a young team with so much personality, it didn’t take long for the players to come up with a range of nicknames.
That was exactly what has happened with the Rosewood United under-12 girls’ soccer team who are enjoying a wonderful season.
A number of the girls are newcomers to soccer, joining teammates who have played before.
Displaying their fine team spirit, the girls quickly started sharing nicknames – Madz, Bobby, Annie, Marni, Ebby, Bells, Mad Dawg, Mal, Tilly, Micky, Mits, Ally, H, Sar’s and Sar Bear.
First-year coach James Lyons was delighted at how well his 15 players have bonded.
The team headed into the school holiday break in second place on the Queensland Christian Soccer Association Division 1 table.
“They’ve come together pretty well actually,” James said.
“For probably over half of them, this is their first time playing soccer.”
James is also a newcomer to coaching and works with manager Lauren Boman.
He said the main focus was on fun, friendship and skill development.
The Rosewood under-12 girls drew 1-1 with the Beaudesert Rangers Pink Panthers in their latest top-of-the-table match.
That was Rosewood’s second draw to go with five wins.
The Rosewood team’s only previous loss was 2-0 to Beaudesert earlier in the season.
Rosewood has beaten Whitehill 8-0 and 4-0, Boonah 4-1 and 6-0 and Raceview 3-0.
They also had a 0-0 draw with St Catherines Red.
Having such consistent results in Division 1 enhanced the satisfaction for coach James who works as an avionics technician at Amberley, having moved to the area in 2017.
“Especially for the girls that haven’t played before,” he said.
“They are all developing really well, mainly the teamwork that’s come together that’s helped them through.”
James said the girls were also hanging out together before and after the games.
“It’s seeing them enjoy it and progress through the season dramatically,” James said.
James acknowledged his manager Lauren for her encouraging efforts.
Lauren grew up in the Rosewood-Thagoona area. She plays for the Rosewood Roses over-30 women’s team.
