IT’S a slogan the Rosewood United Crusaders are using to generate even more excitement in a fast-approaching soccer season.
Energetic club president Tammy Crawford has led the way with her “Boots at the ready’’ catchcry as multiple teams prepare for the latest Queensland Christian Soccer Association (QCSA) competitions.
Club registrar and treasurer Lisa Fairbridge is delighted with the pre-season response from players wanting to sign on as early as late last year.
“It’s a lot better than we expected,” Lisa said, having been on the Crusaders committee for six of the eight years she’s been involved with the club.
The Crusaders have registered 19 teams from Tiny Tots and across the junior boys’ and girls’ age groups, to senior women and an over-30 men’s side this season.
Asked why interest in playing soccer for the Crusaders continues to grow, Lisa praised her busy club president.
“It’s just the family dynamic that Tammy has created,” Lisa said.
“Yes, it is a competition, but Tammy has always said ‘it’s fun, come and have fun, have a bit of fitness, make new friends’.
“It’s a huge, big oversized extended family.
“I think that’s what a lot of players like.”
Described as a dedicated community leader; Tammy was nominated for Rosewood Citizen of the Year in the latest Rosewood Lions Club awards.
She has played a major role in growing the Crusaders club in recent years.
One of the club’s new initiatives is ‘Fun under lights’ on Friday nights.
Registered players from under-11 to seniors can join in a game with players of all ages to improve fitness and give younger participants more experience.
“Our seniors have been amazing,” Tammy said. “Sharing their knowledge and encouraging our juniors to get in there and have a go, to never give up and to not be fearful of the game.
“These sessions are extremely beneficial to the development of our youngsters, especially those playing on the full field for the first time.”
Lisa said the safe, family environment at the club’s four fields at Caledonian Park, Thagoona, was another factor people kept returning and newcomers were keen to sign on.
Among the Crusaders contingent is the club’s senior women’s side that finished minor premiers and contested the Division 4 finals last season.
Former Queensland Academy of Sport coach Kim Bennett, from Mt Marrow, is returning having enjoyed helping develop the keen-to-learn Rosewood players.
Lisa expected a number of active mums to continue playing for the senior side.
“We’ve got a few newbies as well. They are looking good,” she said.
The Crusaders registrar said the Thagoona fields were in good condition with a new season set to kick off on April 5.
“We’ve been very lucky,” she said.
“Neighbours have been keeping an eye out very closely because we have had motorbikes on the field.”
Teams train regularly at the Thagoona complex through the week.