ROSEWOOD Roosters club secretary and under-8 coach Chloe Collins needed little extra incentive to continue working with juniors.
She knows the value of encouraging young players in the country rugby league club based at Anzac Park.
“I think it’s more the family vibe,” Chloe said.
“My parents have been involved with Rosewood since I was a baby so this is all I know.
“So, I love that everyone is coming in and giving back to the community and the club.”
In her third year of coaching, Chloe took on the club secretary role for the first time this year having previously been a volunteer.
She is heavily involved in the club along with her husband and C-Grade player Zac, and father-in-law Sam, who is overseeing the Roosters C-Grade side this season.
Another family member, Rebecca, is team manager.
Chloe is preparing her under-8 side for the Rugby League Ipswich (RLI) junior competition kicking off on April 25.
“They are definitely all learning,” Chloe said, having coached a club side from under-6 to her current level.
“They have definitely got a mind of their own.
“I believe we’ve got everyone as we’ve had the last couple of years.”
However, after recent flooding and weather issues, Chloe has an added role as coach this season.
“This is their first year completely tackling so we will be working on safe tackling and making sure none of them are getting hurt,” Chloe said.
“And working together as a team and making that family team bond.”
Club president Jasmine Hassett was also getting excited about the new season.
Rosewood is fielding junior teams in RLI under 6, U7, U8, U9, U10, U12 and U15 competitions.
Jasmine said the only changes from last year was not entering an under-13 side and running the U15 side instead of in under 16
“All of our teams up to under 12 are mixed and this year we didn’t have to combine with anyone,” Jasmine said.
The Roosters are also focusing on rebuilding their senior side in C Grade, with their first game scheduled against Norths on April 27.
Jasmine said junior excitement was building as many teams were finally coming together.
“It always happens like that,” she said.
“After the Easter break, or just before school holidays, is when we get the influx.”
Jasmine’s husband Josh is coaching the under-15 side, along with assisting new senior team mentor Sam Collins.
Jasmine was also thrilled the club was again running “Little Chicks’’ sessions for kids aged 3-5.
“It’s a beautiful age group. They love it,” she said.
“We didn’t have it last year. We did run it the year before.
“We’ve had an influx of children that want it.”
Junior training has been on and off in recent weeks due to the weather distractions.
However, the Anzac Park fields are looking lush from all the rain.
“It’s very green, which is great,” Jasmine said.
“Sometimes you don’t see the field this colour.”
