ROSEWOOD United Soccer Club officials were rewarded after accepting a huge opportunity to host the latest Country Challenge Cup carnival at their Thagoona fields.
Young players in 15 teams enjoyed a full day of matches with about 500 people involved in a successful competition.
When previous Scenic Rim organisers were unable to hold this year’s carnival, Rosewood administrators stepped up to provide a fitting end to the 2023 season.
This year’s one-day carnival catered for players in five West Zone sides and soccer talents from the 10 Sunshine Coast sides in under 10 to under 13 matches.
Rosewood players were part of five West Zone teams involved in this year’s Queensland Christian Soccer Association [QCSA] competition.
Sunshine Coast players represented the North, South and Central zones at Caledonian Park.
Rosewood club president Tammy Crawford was delighted with the response.
“It’s fantastic and a huge opportunity for us to build our club,” Crawford said.
“We’ve never done something like this before . . . and we hope we catered for everybody well. But as long as all the kids are out there having a good time, that’s all that matters.”
Crawford said having a carnival at the start of the school holidays was also beneficial for the young players.
“It’s just offering such a big thing for kids to be out in the weather and not stuck at home indoors,” she said.
“It’s a great way to end the season.”
West Zone president Greg Adams appreciated the Rosewood club accepting the challenge after the regular carnival couldn’t be played at Beaudesert.
Rosewood club registrar Lisa Fairbridge was also pleased the carnival could continue at Thagoona after their latest QCSA season.
“It puts us out there a lot more as well, especially in the surrounding areas,’’ Fairbridge said.
“It benefits the kids in another way.
“If we didn’t take it on, there was a possibility it wouldn’t have happened.”
Before the carnival, Rosewood’s under-11 Division 3 side was crowned champions after completing an unbeaten series beating Brisbane Valley 3-1 in the grand final at Tivoli.
The young Crusaders won 12 matches and drew three during their undefeated run.
The under-11 winners were among 13 Crusaders junior and senior teams this season.
The Rosewood club had more than 160 players in the just completed season.
Although no West Zone teams won at the latest carnival, some of the region’s most skilful young soccer players were keen to improve their skills, supported by dedicated coaches.
Country carnival winners
U10: Sunshine Coast North
U11: Sunshine Coast Norths
U12: Sunshine Coast South
U13: Sunshine Coast North
U13 Girls: Sunshine Coast Central
