AS an educator assisting young people and serving as a disability worker, Judy Muir has experience dealing with different situations.
So, it didn’t take long for the first-time Rosewood United under-14 boys’ soccer team manager to settle into her new role.
Judy and coach Andrew Myles have formed a new partnership with a promising group of players vying for a top four spot in this year’s Queensland Christian Soccer Association Division 3 finals.
“They are extremely fun,” Judy said of the energetic players representing the Crusaders this season.
“We have a laugh. They muck around with each other.
“They are brilliant kids.
“I love working with them.”
The under-14 Rosewood side consolidated third spot by upsetting previously unbeaten competition leaders St Pauls Uniting 2-1 in their latest match at Caledonian Park.
That was the Crusaders’ sixth win of the season making it possible for them to remain two points clear of fourth-placed St Catherines Black.
Judy said it was satisfying to watch the boys improve, work together as a team and helping each other.
“All the boys are doing really, really well,” the former Rosewood resident said.
“I’m extremely proud of them, how they are going.
“They are having an absolute ball.”
The team’s biggest win was 9-1 over Southern Districts earlier in the season.
The Crusaders tackle Sunnybank Saints in their final match on Saturday before the finals.
Judy praised first-year coach Andrew for his “laidback” approach, sharing knowledge with the boys who have played together before and encouraging the newcomers to the side.
Andrew, a former martial arts teacher with strong family ties to rugby league, is enjoying the experience.
“I would say that they [the under-14 boys] have been a dream to work with,” the Walloon-based coach said.
Judy said the coach-manager team appreciated input from their co-captains – defender Oliver and striker Kayden – who have played soccer for a few years.
“They’ve been absolutely amazing, supporting me and Andrew with our roles,” Judy said.
“They’ve come up with ideas and let us know some ideas that we can do at training.
“They take charge on the field.”
Having not played soccer since high school, Andrew agreed it’s been “a real collaboration”.
“When I came on as the coach, they were made aware that I did have a limitation of how much background I had in soccer,” he said.
“And I did tell them I’d be testing their knowledge as much as learning for myself in terms of a steep learning curve.
“Between us all, we’ve worked really well together.
“Judy has been an amazing person to work with in keeping us all our toes.”
Andrew has even organised special sessions with other experienced club people to cover any soccer shortfalls.
Connor, Joel and Emmett have shared the goalkeeping duties.
“All three of them have been quite amazing,” Judy said.
Judy took on the manager’s role after spending seven years in the Rosewood area and being a parent.
“I’m actually quite enjoying it,” she said, not knowing at the start of the season what the job involved.
Her role includes keeping the players informed about training and matches and organising jerseys and fruit.
Being a manager newcomer, Judy appreciated the positive Rosewood United club environment.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” she said.
“I love Rosewood United.
“They are so welcoming, always so happy seeing all the children.”
