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?