ROSEWOOD Little Athletics president Kyrlie Thomson conceded it has been a testing time for her committee and parents preparing for a new season.

With the club’s Rosewood State High School training base still requiring more construction work, Kyrlie said a decision on future activities was needed.

“We were actually going to call the season off because we didn’t know whether we’d get the athletes’ numbers,” Kyrlie said.

However, after a series of discussions with Ipswich Little Athletics officials and Little Athletics Queensland CEO Christopher Davies, a workable community approach was adopted.

“We decided to open the season in conjunction with Ipswich Little Athletics,” Kyrlie said.

That meant at least 34 Rosewood club athletes could join Ipswich competitors at their weekly Friday night meetings at Bill Paterson Oval.

In another setback, Bill Paterson Oval is unable to be used until November 8 due to Ipswich City Council maintenance.

Preparing for the annual Ipswich Twilight Carnival are Rosewood Little Athletics club president Kyrlie Thomson and her children Cameron and Lilly, and another young talent Zachary Crowell. Photo: LYLE RADFORD

Kyrlie said being unable to provide Tiny Tots opportunities for kids aged 3-5 “hurt us a little bit”.

Losing some athletes to other sporting commitments on Friday night also created some challenges.

The Rosewood club numbers had dropped dramatically from more than 80 last season.

Kyrlie said attempts to find another suitable venue in the Rosewood and Thagoona areas were unsuccessful before the Ipswich arrangement was made.

However, the club president and registrar hoped to rebuild junior numbers once work is finished on the Rosewood State High School oval.

“We’re happy as long as the athletes have got someone to go,” she said.

“We’re hoping to be back at the high school next season.”

That’s why the latest Ipswich Twilight Carnival last Saturday was a welcome boost.

It gave a group of Rosewood club athletes aged 6-17 an early season opportunity to have some fun in a range of events at Bill Paterson Oval.

Cameron Thomson flies across the hurdles in his 60 metre event. Photo: LYLE RADFORD

The athletes competed among the powerhouse Ipswich centre with more than 550 members.

Other clubs at the carnival included Algester, Lockyer, Caboolture, Runaway Bay, Stanthorpe, Laidley, Warwick and Highfield Toowoomba.

Rosewood club competitor Flynn Harris gets his discus away. Photo: LYLE RADFORD

Kyrlie said joining with the Ipswich centre meetings provided additional advantages.

“It’s not a bad thing that our kids are there because they will get more competition and a lot more coaching opportunities,” she said.

Kyrlie was re-elected club president/registrar at the AGM in August.

She thanked Ipswich centre officials like new president Dan Johnson and Little Athletics Queensland CEO Christopher Davies for helping Rosewood Little Athletics resolve the issues.

“This is the easiest way to try and get our athletics season going without compromising not having a season,” Kyrlie said.

Rosewood Little Athletics was formed in 1986 by a small group of parents who saw the need in the community.

The first competition was staged in 1987.

Rosewood club competitor Flynn Harris enjoys a drink on a hot day of Ipswich Twilight Carnival action. Photo: LYLE RADFORD