Young Toowoomba sports volunteers celebrated for club contributions

Generation Next: Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots sports clubs and we’re shining a light on the best Darling Downs talent aged 23 and under. Find out who cracked the list here.

Darling Downs rugby ref Sarah Morris is considered one of Queensland’s top whistle blowers.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots sports clubs.

They are the coaches, sideline officials, referees and canteen staff who get teams out on the field, athletes ready for action and hot chips into the fryer.

The Chronicle recently asked its readers to nominate their favourite young volunteers aged 23 and under.

The future of TAS United looks bright with a number of keen young students taking on key volunteer roles.

Lachie Bateman (year 8), Sol Ahmed (year 9) and Jacob Bateman (year 10) are inspiring their clubmates on the field as players, and mentoring from the sidelines as assistant coaches.

“They have received strong support from their lead coaches, and in return, they bring enthusiasm, leadership, and relatability to our youngest players,” a TAS United official said.

“It’s clear the little ones admire them – often bumping into them accidentally on purpose at school just to share a high-five or a quick smile.

“They’re true role models, both on and off the field.”

Away from the field a dynamic duo are also playing their part for the club which was formed in 2019 to provide students and East Toowoomba juniors with their own club.

After completing training at the start of the season, Safiya Ahmed (year 9) and Daniel Beit (year 10) can be found pouring coffees and working in the club canteen on game day.

“The presence of these young volunteers not only strengthens our club today but also lights the path for the future,” the official said.

“Their initiative, kindness, and leadership set a shining example for others to follow. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Lachie Bateman (left) chats with his TAS United under-7 team.

The TAS United under-12 Lions team.

The TAS United under-10 Lions team.

Lily Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick started her Dominoes Netball Club career as an under-10s player.

Inspired by the great coaches and volunteers around her she now has her own team to mentor.

Despite having to juggle the demands of school life, club and representative netball she is a committed and passionate coach.

Now in her third year of coaching she inspires the younger players she mentors and her fellow clubmates.

Willowburn Football Club coach Jade Gaske (right) celebrates with her team.

Jade Gaske

Gaske is a key part of Willowburn Football Club’s evolution this season.

Steadily rebuilding their junior ranks over the past few years. the Magpies took a huge step forward entering a number of all-girls teams into Darling Downs football this year.

Gaske has taken the coaching reins of the club’s under-12 team – helping shape the next generation of Willowburn stars.

“We have a lot of amazing volunteers and coaches here,” Willowburn president Tim Kruger said.

“Having someone Jade coaching one of our first all-girls team is great. Her level of commitment and passion is amazing and all the girls look up to her.”

Isidora Lehuede and Declan Jackwitz

Under the guidance of South West Queensland Thunder academy chief – the young duo play key roles in running of the club’s Skill Acquisition Program.

Lehuede data analysis has been key to the development of many young players and Jackwitz is committed to helping shape and guide younger players.

South West Queensland Thunder's Isidora Lehuede

Rugby union referee Sam North

Rugby union referee George Wicks

Sam North, Sarah Morris, George Wicks

There’s no questioning the commitment or passion of the talented Darling Downs refereeing trio.

In action from February to October, their season runs longer than most players and takes them right across the Sunshine State.

Taking charge of rugby union games from the grassroots junior level right through to elite state championships the trio rank among Queensland’s best referees.

“First and foremost they’re committed and dedicated,” Darling Downs Referee Association development lead Ian McGowan said.

“They’re committed to training and education, honing their craft and a lot of their work they do on their own.

“Doing that on top of school, family and work commitments is very impressive.”

Their commitment however isn’t their greatest strength or asset according to McGowan who has helped mentor the trio.

“They’re calm under pressure and assertive like any good referee needs to be,” he said.

“The thing that impresses me most though, the thing that has helped them improve and grow to this point is their coachability and great character.

“They listen and ask questions because they want to learn. They’ve chosen this path (refereeing) over playing and have fully committed to that path and the results are showing.”

Want to see your favourite under-23 years of age volunteer on the list?

Email your nomination to [e-mail]

Originally published as Young Toowoomba sports volunteers celebrated for club contributions