AFTER two early round washouts, Rosewood United’s junior teams are back having fun and developing new skills.

Rosewood’s under-8 mixed teams are among the 19 Crusaders club sides playing in this year’s Queensland Christian Soccer Association (QCSA) competition.

The Rosewood Roses and Rosewood Knights players recently enjoyed games against Brisbane Valley and Boonah Gold respectively at their Caledonian Park field at Thagoona.

Even at under-8 level where no scores are kept, the youngsters displayed tremendous kicking and tackling ability.

The teams had a mix of boy and girl players, sharing in important roles like goalkeeping.

The players, involved in the six-a-side games on a small size field, were encouraged by their coaches who helped them learn the basics of soccer.

Rosewood junior coaches spend time on the field encouraging the players and teaching them basic skills. Photo: LYLE RADFORD

The kids took corner kicks, throw-ins and were shown how to make a pass to a teammate.

Supportive Crusaders club parents cheered on the young players as they progressed forward, made a good tackle or saved a shot at goal.

Young players who scored goals celebrated like their soccer idols, highlighting the importance of letting kids enjoy their special on-field moments without any added pressure.

It was not about winning trophies but experiencing what soccer offers as a healthy outdoor activity.

The Rosewood Roses under-8 soccer team. Photo: LYLE RADFORD

When a team visiting Thagoona was a player short in a morning game, the Rosewood club offered one of their own to make it a more even game.

Club registrar and treasurer Lisa Fairbridge shared in the satisfaction seeing the next generation of players kicking on in a popular winter sport.

“We’re definitely growing,” Lisa said, noting the 240 players now registered with the Crusaders.

One of the club’s main goals is seeking Ipswich City Council support for new toilet amenities at their Thagoona base.

With so many teams now playing regularly at the fields, Lisa and club secretary David Graham said improving the facilities was a priority.

A group of Rosewood Roses under-8 girls line up hoping to advance the ball forward in their game against Brisbane Valley. Photo: LYLE RADFORD

In the meantime, Crusaders players aged from three to teenagers, and seniors involved in over-30 men’s and women’s competition, continue to share a love of the game.

Rosewood United also had five players represent the West Zone at the recent state carnival at Redbank Plains.

They were Joel Taylor, brothers Harrison and William McArthur, Meadow Brown and Declan Reilly.

Joel was chosen to train with the Queensland squad preparing for the national championships in Melbourne later this year.

As the latest QCSA season ramps up, Crusaders officials are already planning their next Country Carnival in September.

Recent carnivals were a huge success with other zone teams, including from the Sunshine Coast, challenging the best players from the Rosewood club.

After some weather frustrations, soccer is again kicking ahead at the Rosewood club.