Albany Creek Brumbies junior rugby union club volunteer typical of who makes clubs tick over

Courtney West from the Albany Creek Brumbies junior rugby union club is symbolic of the type of people that make junior sport tick. Several days a week she swaps her Super Mum cape to be a secretary and coach at the popular northwest sporting club.

Courtney West from the Albany Creek Brumbies junior rugby union club is symbolic of the type of people that make junior sport tick.

Several days a week she swaps her Super Mum cape to be a secretary and coach at the popular northwest sporting club.

West has three children playing at the club while she juggles the two voluntary roles, while her husband also helps around the club.

West’s coat of many colours is repeated time and again around Brisbane at amateur clubs and the family’s presence is typical of a demographic which make the Brumbies a vibrant club that has seen expansion in all areas – particularly in girls rugby.

West takes great pride in seeing the growth of the girls’ game.

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“It is extremely exciting to see it expanding (in general) and also to see more girls joining,’’ West said.

“We only had a few girls a few years ago but these numbers have tripled already and we want to let girls know it is a very inclusive sport.’’

The Albany Creek Brumbies under 10 team for this year played at Suncorp Stadium Back row – L-R – Hunter West; Felix Nielsen, Lachlan Cook; Blayze Wilson; Charlie Jones; Tommo Hampton; Front row – L-R – Joshua Phipps; Hudson Cloherty; Jaxon Johnsen. Absent – Ben Day

West said the rising profile of women’s rugby was helping attract females and as a result West saw “a very exciting future for our club’’ leading to having girls only teams.

“It is extremely motivating to see it expanding.’’

West joined the club four years ago and after 12 months started coaching when her daughter wanted to play.

Rugby at Albany Creek Brumbies

“I have grown up watching rugby and being involved in rugby. My dad and brothers and my husband played.

“Rugby is a very big thing for our family.’’

She said her aim as a coach was to help children improve and gain confidence while having fun.

West said it gave her great satisfaction to see a young boy or girl, timid at the start of the season, grow in confidence. “It is very rewarding to see that.

Albany Creek Brumbies rugby union club celebrating a premiership.

“Some kids are shy at the beginning and then you see them display some confidence in the training and the game environment.

“Giving them encouragement to go out and have a go is a big motivation.’’

She said it spoke volumes for the “integrity and culture of the club that we hold our numbers’’.

“It is a great family environment – it is a junior club focused on younger players,’’ she said.