WITH a background in the military, Willowbank-based coach Kaine Tessier has moved around a lot.
However, he thoroughly enjoyed working with a group of talented upcoming Ipswich Jets teenagers in this year’s Cyril Connell Cup statewide competition.
The Jets had to win their final match against the Sunshine Coast Falcons last weekend to qualify for the semi-finals.
However, Kaine was anything but devastated after his team lost 22-14 at the North Ipswich Reserve.
“That’s footy right. That’s life and I think the boys that we coach here are taking that in their stride,” Kaine said, having taken on the coaching role this season.
“Although the scoreboard didn’t turn our way, there were a lot of good things to take out of that game.
“Effort-wise, we fought for everything, so can’t be more prouder.”
The under-17 players had shared in four gallant victories, displaying some fine skills.
After 21 years in the military, Kaine was happy to be settling back into Ipswich life, making a valuable contribution to Jets development.
“The biggest thing for me is creating the environment for them to be happy and perform to their potential,” Kaine said.
“They are good kids. They are skilful.
“Anything I can do to help young kids in the community where I grew up, it’s always really good to give back.”
Kaine said he was keen to stay involved with the Jets youth program next season.
“Ipswich is home so for sure [I’ll return],” he said.
“Even though we didn’t make it to the semis, we’ve made a lot of improvements.
“We’ve made a lot of steps forward not just in the footy space but in the character space so that’s a true win for us.
“They come in as kids but they’re leaving as young men.”
Kaine, who previously coached Brothers juniors, is a board member having played his youth rugby league with the club in Ipswich.
He has also coached in the Northern Territory while performing military service there.
Before joining the Air Force as a nurse, Kaine attended St Edmund’s College.
He welcomed the opportunity to be head coach of the Jets Cyril Connell Cup team.
“It’s good to be back home and back in the local community. I’m an Ipswich boy.”
