Author: wpadmin913a

  • Why We Refuse to Break the Plate

    Why We Refuse to Break the Plate

    I saw a video recently of a plate being smashed so it could fit neatly into a box. And I mean properly smashed. Not a little crack. We’re talking full commitment. Pieces everywhere. Then carefully… almost proudly… those pieces were placed inside the box.

    And technically, yes… it fit. Success. Round of applause.

    Except… it’s not a plate anymore, is it?

    It’s just broken bits that now happen to fit into something they were never meant to go into in the first place. And the worrying part is, the more I thought about it, the more I realised how normal that has become for children. We don’t smash them into pieces, obviously, but we do something very similar. We ask them to adjust. To behave a certain way. To sit still, focus, listen, don’t do that, do this instead, why can’t you be more like… and before long, they start shaping themselves to fit whatever environment they’re in.

    And everyone calls that success.

    At Rainbow Roos, we’ve just decided we’re not doing that. We’re not in the business of breaking plates.

    We had one of those moments this week that sums it up perfectly. One of our little ones had just made the move from BabyRoos into MiniRoos. Now, if you’ve ever seen that transition, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say it’s a weird stage. They’re too old for the little ones, but the bigger group feels like you’ve accidentally signed them up for the Premier League. It’s louder. Faster. The kids look bigger. Everything feels like it’s happening at about double speed.

    So he did what a lot of kids do. He stayed glued to mum. Watching. Assessing. Probably wondering who approved this life decision. Ball comes near him… he moves away. Kids run past… he steps back. At one point he just sat down off to the side, like, “yeah, I’ll observe this chaos from here, thanks.”

    And honestly? Perfect.

    That is exactly where he needed to be. No one dragged him in. No one said “come on, join in” in that slightly too enthusiastic voice we all know. We just let him be.

    Then we gave him a little mission. Quietly. Just for him. “See how many players you can run up to and touch without them noticing.”

    Was he any good at it? Absolutely not. Stealth level: zero.

    But suddenly he’s on the pitch. Close to the action. Near the “big kids” he’d been avoiding five minutes earlier. And something starts to shift. Not massively. Not dramatically. This isn’t a movie.

    Just slowly. Bit by bit.

    He stays out there a little longer. Moves a little closer. Eventually… he’s in the game. Still cautious, still figuring it out, but in it. And then the best part…

    When it’s time to go, he doesn’t want to leave. Of course he doesn’t. Because now it feels like his place too.

    Week one. That’s a win. A massive win.

    We see it with parents as well, and sometimes that hits even harder. We had a mum come down recently who had clearly been through the wringer at a previous club. Her child struggled to focus, which, as it turns out, is not actually a crime… but you wouldn’t have known that from how it had been handled.

    So she arrives ready. Apologising before anything has even happened. Calling out constantly. “Listen! Do it properly! Pay attention!”

    Not because she’s that parent. You can tell instantly she’s not. It’s fear.

    Fear of it going wrong again. Fear of being judged. Fear of her child being labelled.

    And for the first part of the session, it’s actually not the child we’re working with.

    It’s her.

    Letting her know, gently and consistently, that everything is fine. That her child is fine. That we’re not keeping score. No one’s in trouble. No one’s being compared.

    And slowly, you see it happen. The voice softens. The shouting stops. She sits down. Actually sits down. And just watches.

    And her child? In his own way, at his own pace… gets involved. Smiling. Engaged. Happy. And in that moment, something shifts for both of them.

    That’s belonging too.

    Then there are the moments you don’t plan for at all. The ones that just happen because the environment allows it. We were playing Soccer Ball Rush, which, if you’ve never seen it, is chaos in the best possible way. Balls everywhere, kids running in every direction, no time to overthink anything.

    At one point, a group of kids ended up in the middle as defenders. No instructions. No input from us. They just… formed a huddle.

    Started planning. “You go there.” “I’ll stay back.” “We’ll double up on him.”

    Honestly, it was like watching a tiny Champions League team talk… except it very quickly descended into strange noises, howling and, of course, the dreaded 6-7!

    /

    But again… that’s not the point. The point is they felt comfortable enough to step into that moment. To communicate. To be part of something. As I’ve mentioned before, my son Grayson, is mute most of the time, but you wouldn’t know that if you’ve only ever seen him on the pitch!

    For me, belonging isn’t about everything looking calm, controlled and “well behaved”. In fact, it often looks like the complete opposite. It looks messy. Loud. Unpredictable. Sometimes a bit chaotic.

    Because what you’re actually seeing is children who feel safe enough to drop their guard.

    Safe enough to stop making. Safe enough to just be themselves, without constantly checking if they’re getting it right. And yes, that might look like they’re not “behaving” in the traditional sense. I’ll take that every single time.

    Because we’re not here to create perfectly behaved children who fit neatly into a box. We’re here to make sure they never feel like they have to break themselves just to belong.

    And when that happens, everything else… confidence, friendships, development… it all follows.

    Funny that.

  • Confidence Looks Different For Every Child: What My Son Taught Me About Belief

    Confidence Looks Different For Every Child: What My Son Taught Me About Belief

    I did not start Rainbow Roos because I wanted to run a soccer program.

    I started it because of my son, Grayson.

    He is autistic, has ADHD, and is mute about 80 percent of the time. If you only know him from everyday life, you would describe him as quiet. Reserved. Careful with words. Maybe even scared.

    If you only know him on a soccer pitch, you would think I have completely made that up. On the pitch, they can hear him in Sydney!

    Soccer is his comfort. The pitch is his safe space. When he pulls his boots on, something changes. He no longer has to mask the way he often does in the big wide world. He does not have to calculate every interaction. He does not have to manage every stimulus. For one hour after school, he gets to simply be himself.

    Yes, he is becoming a decent little player, but that is not why this matters. What matters is that confidence shows up when safety is present.

    Across our sessions here in Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers community, we see children whose confidence looks nothing like Grayson’s. Some run straight in. Others hang back. Some are loud. Others are quietly building courage. Confidence does not have one shape.

    What it does have is a pattern. It grows when children feel safe enough to try.

    There is something I say to the kids constantly when they are scared of getting something wrong.

    I remind them that when they were born, they could not walk, talk or feed themselves properly. None of us arrived knowing how to do anything. We wobbled. We fell. We made a mess. We tried again. And our families did not shout or compare us. They gave us time. They let us fall. They stood close enough to catch us but far enough to let us learn.

    It is impossible to go from the womb to walking and running without confidence. Even at that tiny age, children have to believe that standing up again is worth it. They have to trust that wobbling is part of learning.

    So when a child tells me they are scared to try a new skill because they might mess it up, I remind them that they have already done something far harder. They learned to walk through failure. They learned to talk through repetition. They built those skills because someone gave them space to wobble.

    Soccer is no different.

    Our non-competitive sessions are designed with that understanding at the centre. We keep lines short. We use small sided games. We increase touches of the ball. We remove league tables and pressure because comparison shrinks belief before it has had the chance to grow.

    Confidence is not built by shouting louder or pushing harder. It is built by repetition, encouragement and safe mistakes.

    There are sessions where a child melts down. There are days where someone refuses to join the first activity. That does not mean confidence is absent. It means it is under construction.

    More than 60 percent of our participants have additional needs and many access NDIS supports. For some of them, confidence looks like staying on the pitch. It looks like speaking once instead of not at all. It looks like asking for the ball after weeks of silence.

    Parents sometimes tell me their child is completely different here. The truth is, they are not different. They are safe.

    If you want to strengthen confidence at home, think about how you responded when your child first tried to walk. You did not demand perfection. You celebrated the wobble. You clapped for the attempt. You let them try again.

    That same approach works at seven. At nine. At twelve.

    Confidence looks different for every child. For some, it sounds like Grayson shouting across the pitch. For others, it is a quiet step forward that no one else notices. Both matter.

    We run kids soccer sessions, but what we are really building is belief. Belief that mistakes are part of learning. Belief that confidence grows when children are given space, patience and the freedom to wobble.

    And that belief lasts far beyond the pitch.

  • A Week of Goals, Giggles and Giving It a Go!

    A Week of Goals, Giggles and Giving It a Go!

    Our Goonellabah School Holiday Program – January Wrap-Up

    From Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th January, Rainbow Roos took over Goonellabah for three unforgettable days of school holiday fun, football, friendships and fearless “give it a go” moments.

    Before anything else, a huge thank you to Far North Coast Hockey in Goonellabah for being such incredible hosts. When a last-minute venue issue left us in a tight spot, they stepped in without hesitation and truly saved the day. Their support, flexibility and generosity gave us the perfect space to run the program and create something special for the kids.

    Across the three days, we welcomed close to 100 children, with around 50% completely new to Rainbow Roos. That mix said everything – familiar faces alongside first-timers, nerves turning into confidence, and strangers quickly becoming teammates. As one parent summed it up perfectly:

    “This was our first Rainbow Roos program and we honestly didn’t know what to expect. The confidence boost over just three days was incredible.”

    We ran our MiniRoos sessions (5–10yrs) across all three days, welcomed almost twenty BabyRoos (2–4yrs) on Wednesday morning, and had the BigRoos take-over on Thursday with their all-day program. Rainbow Roos regulars, newcomers, NDIS participants, experienced club players and children having their very first taste of organised sport all shared the same pitch, learning, laughing and giving it everything.

    Each day followed a simple but powerful setup. The mornings were dedicated to training and skill development with rotating games and activities adapted to suit every child. Afternoons were full of matches, tournaments and challenges. Add in music, obstacle courses, shooting games, dribbling drills, ball rush and noodle tag, and you’ve got a full Rainbow Roos holiday program in action.

    Led by Brad, Ellie and Jess, sessions were constantly adapted so that every child could experience success. Brad summed up why these programs matter so much:

    “These holiday programs are about giving kids a place where they feel safe, supported and excited to be themselves. The soccer is important, but what really matters is the confidence, friendships and joy that come with it.”

    Day One wrapped up with a Mini World Cup tournament followed by our much-loved coaches vs kids match, with the kids claiming a 2–1 win, helped by an unforgettable own goal from Coach Ellie – a moment that will live long in our memory and may or may not get brought up at every coach’s get-together for the next twelve months!

    Day Two brought another epic Mini World Cup, ending in a dramatic penalty shootout, while Day Three saw the all-in adults vs kids match. The kids covered the pitch from end to end, and the adults gave it everything they had. In the end, the match finished 0–0, though it was clear the kids had had the time of their lives (and many parents likely woke up the following morning quite sore…)

    Beyond the football skills and tactics, the real magic was everything around the pitch. Our theme for the week was “Give it a go.” That it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay for things to go wrong. You can’t score a goal unless you take the shot. By the end of Day One, the early quietness and shyness had disappeared. The pitch was buzzing with energy, laughter and confidence. One child proudly said,

    “I loved scoring goals and learning how to do better kicks. I got way better at dribbling and I made new friends.”

    Over three days, friendships formed, older kids supported the younger ones and children offered to help pack away cones and balls without being asked. Coach Ellie reflected on what stood out most for her:

    “What I love about Rainbow Roos is that everyone belongs. It doesn’t matter your age or ability – every child is supported, encouraged and celebrated for who they are.”

    While the kids were busy, the program also gave families peace of mind, allowing parents to go to work or enjoy a break, knowing their children were safe, included and having fun. Jess, newer to the coaching team, shared,

    “I loved getting to know all the kids and their different personalities. Seeing their confidence grow and watching them cheer each other on was incredibly special.”

    One of the biggest signs we’re doing something right? Families re-booked for Day Two as soon as they got home from Day One and did the same again after Day Two. That trust means everything to us.

    Rainbow Roos is not just about soccer. It’s about inclusion, friendships, teamwork, confidence and belonging. It’s for everybody – always. To every family who trusted us with your children, thank you! We honestly had just as much fun as the kids and we love what we do!

    So… who’s ready to do it all again at Easter?

  • Rainbow Roos Takes the National Stage at the Australian Disability Service Awards

    Rainbow Roos Takes the National Stage at the Australian Disability Service Awards

    A Night to Remember

    On Thursday, 13th November, Rainbow Roos had the incredible honour of attending the Australian Disability Service Awards at the Pullman Conference Centre in the iconic Albert Park, Melbourne. Over 500 people gathered for an evening of celebration, recognition, and sheer joy – coming together to honour the incredible work being done across the country to support people of all abilities.

    From Finalist to Winner

    For Rainbow Roos, it was a night to remember. We were proud to be recognised as a finalist in the Rising Changemaker – New Business Innovation category, a nod to the bold ideas and determination that have driven our journey over the past two years. But the highlight of the evening came when we were announced as the winners of Best Program for Young Voices and Futures – an award that perfectly sums up why Rainbow Roos exists and the work we are so passionate about.

    Meeting Inspiring People

    Brad Ambridge, our founder, was there to represent the team, accompanied by Grayson – our very own star of the show.

    “Being in a room with so many incredible people reminded me that what we do at Rainbow Roos matters,” Brad reflected. “This award isn’t just about us – it’s about every child who steps on the pitch, every family we support, and every young voice we help shine.”

    The night was inspiring in every sense. We met extraordinary individuals who dedicate themselves to putting others first, tackling challenges with resilience, and creating spaces where everyone belongs. Conversations were filled with stories of courage, hope, and perseverance. And amidst all the laughter and applause, it was impossible not to feel the energy and passion of a sector that truly changes lives every day.

    A Stunning Venue, Incredible Company

    The Pullman Conference Centre provided the perfect backdrop for the evening. The venue was stunning, the food was incredible, and the company was second to none. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of community, collaboration, and celebration – and how powerful it is when so many amazing people come together with the same mission: to make sure every individual, no matter their background or circumstances, has a place to shine.

    Reflecting on Our Journey

    “In less than two years, little Rainbow Roos has made its mark on the national stage,” Brad said. “This recognition fuels our mission even more – we’re excited to keep growing, innovating, and making sure every child, no matter their needs, has the chance to thrive, have fun, and feel included.”

    Winning Best Program for Young Voices and Futures is more than an award – it’s validation of everything we believe in. Every week on the pitch, our Rainbow Roos families show us what courage, joy, and determination look like. Every skill learned, every smile shared, and every friendship formed is part of the story that led us here.

    Celebrating Inclusivity Through Sport

    This recognition also reminds us that inclusivity in sport isn’t just a nice idea – it’s essential. Sport has the power to build confidence, teach resilience, foster friendships, and provide a safe space for children to explore, grow, and express themselves. Rainbow Roos is proud to be a part of that movement, and winning this award reinforces that we are on the right path.

    Highlights From the Night

    We’re excited to bring you glimpses of the night – photos, smiles, and unforgettable moments that captured the joy, pride, and celebration. It was an evening that reminded us just how far Rainbow Roos has come and why every child’s voice matters.

    Looking Ahead

    As we look ahead, this award is motivation to do even more. To create programs that continue to break barriers, to inspire children to find their voice, and to keep building a community where everyone feels welcome and valued. Rainbow Roos may be small, but our impact is growing – and we are just getting started.

    Stay tuned as Rainbow Roos continues to celebrate young voices, build confidence, and create spaces where every child can shine.

  • “We’re Not Coming Back!”… and We Couldn’t Be Happier!

    “We’re Not Coming Back!”… and We Couldn’t Be Happier!

    We’ve all had that gut-drop moment when someone says, “We’re not coming back.”

    But a few weeks ago, when that exact message landed in our inbox, our reaction wasn’t dread or disappointment.

    It was pride. Pure, goosebump-inducing, heart-swelling pride.

    Because while it might sound like we were losing a child from our Rainbow Roos family, what was really happening… was graduation.

    This brilliant little superstar joined us last year with almost no experience in soccer.

    More importantly, he was navigating anxiety and had just received an autism diagnosis. Every step forward—even just standing near the coach – was a milestone.

    So we did what we do best:

    ✅ Build trust first.

    ✅ Create a safe, pressure-free space.

    ✅ Let the child lead the pace.

    ✅ Then sprinkle in the soccer magic, one joyful game at a time.

    Week after week, smile after smile, he started to believe in himself. He kicked more. He laughed more. He made friends. He belonged.

    And now, he’s ready to take the next step; joining a soccer team.

    With weekend matches. Structured training. A full kit and a big, bold dream.

    This is exactly why Rainbow Roos exists. We’re not here to churn out elite players. We’re here to help kids feel included, confident, capable, and safe – on and off the pitch.

    Soccer is just the tool. The real goal?

    ✨ Empowerment.

    ✨ Progress.

    ✨ Smiles that stick.

    So no, they’re not coming back to Rainbow Roos. And honestly? That’s a win.

    We’ll be there on the sidelines with pom-poms, rainbows, and maybe even a tear or two, cheering them on in this exciting next chapter.

    To that amazing family: thank you for trusting us with your child’s journey.

    To every other family: this is the kind of magic that happens when sport meets support.

    So, if you’ve been thinking about joining Rainbow Roos – whether your child’s a shy BabyRoo, a spirited MiniRoo, or an aspiring BigRoo – we’re here for them.

    Visit www.rainbowroos.com.au to find a session near you.

    Because the goal has never been to keep them forever.

    It’s to help them believe they can go anywhere. 🌈⚽

  • Sunshine, Showers & Soccer – Our New Extreme Weather Policy is Here!

    Sunshine, Showers & Soccer – Our New Extreme Weather Policy is Here!

    2025 didn’t exactly kick off with picture-perfect soccer weather, did it?

    From wet Wednesdays to sizzling afternoons, we’ve seen it all – and our soccer balls have braved just about every element (sometimes even floating off in mini rivers!).

    With so many unpredictable weather moments in the early part of the year, we knew it was time to take action. We reached out to you – our amazing Rainbow Roos families – to help shape a brand-new Extreme Weather Policy that keeps our sessions safe, fair, and fun for everyone.

    And wow… what a response! Hundreds of you took the time to vote, share your thoughts, and help us find that sweet balance between common sense, community expectations, and child-friendly fun.

    Our first ever Extreme Weather Policy was voted for by hundreds of parents
    Our first ever Extreme Weather Policy was voted for by hundreds of parents

    Sneak Peek at What We Learned:

    • MiniRoos sessions will go ahead in light rain and on wet pitches, but we’ll call it off if the heavens truly open! 🌧️
    • BabyRoos? We’re a bit more cautious – moderate to heavy rain = playdate cancelled.
    • Over 30°C? We’re playing. Over 34°C? Let’s all chill – literally.
    • Cancellations will be made early – by 8am BabyRoos morning sessions and by 1pm for MiniRoos afternoon sessions.

    “Common sense will always be used above everything else to make a final decision.” (Yes—that’s a direct quote from the policy, and we’re standing by it!)

    This is our very first official weather policy, and we’re seriously proud of it – not just because it brings clarity, but because it was shaped with you. Thank you to every family who filled out the survey and helped us create something that reflects the heart of Rainbow Roos: inclusive, community-led, and always focused on what’s best for the kids.

    Want to see the full breakdown?

    Click the link at the very bottom of this (and every) page.

    Whether it’s rain, shine or somewhere in between – we’re here, and we’re ready (with a plan in place!).

  • PAY IT FORWARD & GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY!

    PAY IT FORWARD & GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY!

    Here at Rainbow Roos, we’re always amazed by the kindness and generosity of our community, and today we’ve got something super exciting to share! 🌟

    A lovely mum recently reached out to us with a heart-warming offer: she wanted to donate a ten-week block booking to a family who could really benefit from it.

    And we thought, “Why stop there?”

    So, we’re matching this incredible offer, and we’re giving away::

    2x TEN-WEEK BOOKINGS!

    We want these bookings to go to two families who truly need it, so here’s how YOU can help us spread the love and make someone’s day:

    1. Tag as many people as possible on our socials to help us get the word out far and wide.
    2. Send us a message telling us who you think deserves a spot and why.

    Next week, we’ll choose the two families who have the most deserving nominations, and the lucky kids will be signed up as our newest Roos recruits.

    So, what are you waiting for, Roo Crew? Let’s make this a moment of joy and support for those who could really use it.

    A few boring (but important) rules:

    • This giveaway is open for BabyRoos or MiniRoos.
    • Sessions are available in Goonellabah, Ballina, or Casino.
    • No cash alternative available.
    • You don’t have to be following us to win (though we’d love it if you did! ).

    Let’s do this, team! Go, go, go!

  • “KICKS, SMILES & PRIZES!”

    “KICKS, SMILES & PRIZES!”

    At Rainbow Roos, we’ve always believed that the real victories on the pitch aren’t about who scores the most goals or runs the fastest…

    They’re about heart.

    They’re about teamwork.

    They’re about lifting each other up – and never giving up.

    And now, thanks to our amazing friends at Zambrero and 2amkickoff, we’re turning those values into a celebration each and every week! 🎁💥

    That’s right, Rainbow Roos is launching our very own #ChampionRoo awards and we’ve got some incredible goodies lined up for our champs.

    From delicious Zambrero treats 🌯 to awesome soccer merch from 2AMKickoff, we’ll be rewarding kids who shine on the pitch in the most important ways:

    What Makes a Rainbow Roos CHAMP?

    • ❤️ Kindness – Helping a teammate who’s feeling shy or left out.
    • 🤝 Teamwork – Sharing the ball and cheering each other on.
    • 👌 Being Helpful – Tidying up cones, setting a great example.
    • 💪 Hard Work – Giving it their all, even when it’s tricky.
    • 🏃‍♂️ Never Giving Up – Dusting off and trying again.
    • 🥇 Always Trying Their Best – No matter what the scoreboard says.
    • 👏 Positive Team Spirit – High-fives, hugs, and happy vibes!

    These are the qualities that truly matter – not just in soccer, but in life. And we’re so proud to celebrate the little legends who bring them to every session.

    Big Thanks to Big-Hearted Partners!

    We couldn’t do this without the support of Zambrero (Lismore/Ballina) and 2amkickoff, two incredible businesses who share our passion for community, inclusion, and giving kids a chance to shine.

    So from all of us at Rainbow Roos – thank you for backing the next generation of kind, resilient, team-spirited superstars!

    Keep an eye out at your next session – you might just see one of our players walk away with a prize, a smile, and a little extra sparkle in their step. Because kindness wins, every single time. 💛🌈

  • IT’S GOLD, GOLD, GOLD FOR RAINBOW ROOS

    IT’S GOLD, GOLD, GOLD FOR RAINBOW ROOS

    Hey Roos members and friends,

    We’re just letting you know some fantastic news about our club. We recently joined the online Good Sports program and have just earned ourselves top level Gold Medal accreditation.

    This means we have policies and action plans in place that cover:

    • Alcohol practices

    • Licensing requirements

    • Promotion

    • Tobacco management

    • Illegal drugs

    • Mental health

    • Safe transport

    • Supporting junior members

    • Family friendly and appropriate activities

    What that means is that we make sure our members have a healthy environment to play and train in. We believe in safe celebrations and we especially want to make

    sure members of all ages get home again safely.

    We are more than just a place to play soccer

    Rainbow Roos is a welcoming environment that values people of all skill levels and the contributions they make. Our comprehensive policy and the actions we take every day mean we are well prepared to deal with any situations that might arise. We’re committed to support stronger, healthier members who are better supported to deal with life’s curly deliveries.

    And we believe in role modelling positive, respectful behaviour across all ages – both on and off the field.

    We particularly want to acknowledge the role played by all of the Roos committee in securing our new Gold Medal accreditation. We also want to thank our members and wider community for their ongoing support.

    Our Gold Medal achievement doesn’t mean we will be sitting still. Rainbow Roos will be updating our Good Sports credentials every year, and we also welcome your suggestions and feedback.

    Please contact Brad if you want to find out more about supporting our fantastic Gold Medal club. We’d love to hear from you.

    What is Good Sports?

    Good Sports is Australia’s largest and longest running health initiative in community sports. A free program for all Australian clubs, Good Sports aims to build stronger communities by championing positive change and helping to create safe and family-friendly clubs that thrive.

    The Benefits

    We’re a proud Gold Medal Good Sports club! The Good Sports program:

    • Makes our club stronger by creating a healthy club environment.

    • Brings in members, volunteers and sponsors who are attracted to our strong organisation, community spirit and family-friendly values/

    • Gives us free access to program staff, tools and resources to make our club the best place it can be.

    • Helps us comply with legal requirements.

    Help Spread The Word

    The more people know and understand about our Good Sports Gold Medal accreditation, the better it is for our club. Take a look at the Good Sports website and tell your friends. Goodsports.com.au

    Click below to download our Good Sports Policy.

  • SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED – ROOS PARTNER WITH MAJOR SPORTING PROVIDER

    SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED – ROOS PARTNER WITH MAJOR SPORTING PROVIDER

    Sporting-goods supplier, Alpha Elite Gear, has partnered with Rainbow Roos as the
    organisation’s Official Soccer Sports Equipment Provider for the 2024/25 season.

    “As soon as we reached out and explained our purpose and goals for the local community, Robert and the team at Alpha Elite Gear were beyond accommodating. They understand the importance of supporting growth at grassroots level and the critical need for quality, long-lasting equipment” said Brad Ambridge, Rainbow Roos Founder and Head Coach.

    In the space of just three months, Rainbow Roos has gone from registering as a new business, being approved as a not-for-profit organisation and now running over fifteen sessions each week. The benefits to the community are clear for everybody to see, reinforced by this huge exclusive arrangement with Alpha Elite Gear.

    To further highlight their support for the work being done by Rainbow Roos, Alpha (along with sister company Gioca) generously donated almost $3,000 worth of equipment to start the partnership, including personalised goalposts, various training materials, safety boundary nets and kits for the Roos coaching team.

    Robert Bonanno, the Director of Alpha Group was thrilled with the partnership. “As a brand, we are taking opportunities like this to assist players of all levels and all ages within football. Creating amazing training environments, making players comfortable in their surroundings and allowing them to thrive and fall in love with the sport.

    Partnering with Rainbow Roos aligns with our beliefs for the greater community of football. Glad we could help now and well into the future.”

    Brad Ambridge concluded by adding “this exciting partnership will go down in our history as such a key milestone. It allows us to continue to grow our high-quality grassroots program within the community. No matter the age, ability or surroundings, all children deserve access to the very best equipment to be able to follow their dreams!”

  • RAINBOW ROOS PARTNERS WITH GLOBAL ‘CIRCLE OF GOOD’ DISTRIBUTOR

    RAINBOW ROOS PARTNERS WITH GLOBAL ‘CIRCLE OF GOOD’ DISTRIBUTOR

    Rainbow Roos is delighted to announce a long-term partnership with the incredible Good360, giving access to high quality products, equipment, clothing and so much more, that can then be distributed to those in need throughout the community.

    Here is our Tuesday MiniRoos team loving the Barcelona tees – we certainly had twelve Messi-wannabes for the day! Our other MiniRoos teams will get their shirts in the coming days, with the rest being used at our community days and school holiday sessions.

    Last week we took delivery of NINETY soccer jerseys and tees from Nike. There were Barcelona tees, combined with jerseys for Canada, USA, France and England in various sizes for our awesome MiniRoos.

    Alison Covington AM launched Good360 in Australia in 2015 to reduce need and waste. Alison wanted to give all brand-new unsold goods a first life by connecting them to people in need and helping our planet at the same time.

    Alison found out about Good360 in America upon receiving a newsletter from Pro Bono Australia News and immediately knew that Australia needed Good360.

    “The Good360 model ticked all the boxes for me. It was innovative, it didn’t replicate anything else in Australia, it fitted my corporate skills, it was incredibly efficient, it was technologically advanced, it was cause agnostic – I could help everyone and it was changing the face of charitable giving” Alison said.

    Brad Ambridge, Rainbow Roos Founder, said “Good360 know how important community support is, especially in regions such as ours where the last few years have been challenging. Their continued assistance ensures that we can provide the kids with these extra little touches and really promote community sport and team spirit.”