Roos News November 2025

Hi everyone and welcome to our end of year edition of Roos News.

We know it has been a little while since the footy season wrapped up and we are now well and truly heading into the Christmas wind down. However, the committee sprang back to life in November to begin planning for an exciting 2026 season.

Little Roos Kick Off

Our littlest Roos kicked off the Little Roos Program in mid-November. This program is designed for children aged 3 to 5 and introduces the core skills of rugby league including catching, passing, running and evasion. The five-week program will run through to 11 December.

While we had not run this program for a few years, it has returned with great success and we already have 12 registrations.

Know someone who might be interested? Do not worry, we will be running another Little Roos program in late January or early February as we lead into the 2026 pre-season.

Come and Try – 4 December from 5.30pm

Along with Little Roos, we are also holding our first 2026 Come and Try night next Thursday, 4 December. This is a little earlier than in previous seasons, but it gives all current players the chance to come down for a casual run at Willoughby Park and bring along a mate who might like to try rugby league next season.

The BBQ will be firing, so come down, bring a friend and introduce them to our great club.

2026 Registrations Open – 1 December

As in previous years, registrations for next season will open on MySideline from 1 December.

As with everything in life, the rising costs of playing kit, ground hire, referee fees and insurance continue to increase. These costs place pressure on the club to operate without a loss, while also balancing affordability for our families who often play multiple winter sports.

The committee has reviewed the fee structure for 2026 and will be making some small changes as follows:

U6 to U12 (Tackle and Tag): Fees will remain frozen at $275
U13s and above (Tackle and Tag): Fees will increase slightly to $300
Early Bird Discount: $25 for all registrations prior to 31 January
Multi-Child Discount: $25 per additional family member will remain

We hope these changes help minimise the impact of rising costs on our community while allowing us to continue putting players on the field each week.

We never want the cost of sport to stop a child from playing at our club, so if you require any assistance, please reach out to one of our committee members in confidence.

2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

While registration fees cover the cost of putting players on the field each week, sponsorship and fundraising are what support our training equipment, volunteer education, club gear and general operating expenses. The club simply would not operate as it does without the generous support of our sponsors.

We are now seeking sponsors to be part of our community and support grassroots rugby league in 2026. Packages are available to suit all budgets, from $1,500 sleeve sponsorships through to front-of-jersey Gold Sponsors.

Some benefits of being a Roos sponsor include:

Signage on game day and training kit
Signage at Willoughby Park during home games
Shout-outs on social media and on game days
Guest passes to Willoughby Roos functions
Exposure through North Sydney Bears and North Sydney Junior League social media

If you run a small or large business and would like to be part of the Roos team in 2026, please reach out to a committee member for more information.

2026 Planning and Key Dates

The committee began planning earlier this month. Below are some key dates for 2026:

3 December at 6.30pm – Roos AGM at Chatswood RSL
4 December at 5.30pm – Come and Try at Willoughby Park
15 January at TBC – U12s and above pre-season training
15 February at 11am – Come and Try at Willoughby Park
25 February – 2026 season training commences
29 March – 2026 Season Launch
11 April – Round 1 of the 2026 season begins

Thank you again for being part of our wonderful community this season. A special thank you to our sponsors, and of course to our coaches, managers and trainers who give their time each week to make the Roos the club that it is.

The committee wishes you all a wonderful and safe holiday break and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year.

Until then, Go Roos.

PS: Do not forget to post your “Roos on Tour” holiday snaps in your team chats so we can share them on our socials over the summer break.

PPS: Thinking about getting more involved in 2026? We are always looking for new faces to bring their skills to the committee. Roles can be created, responsibilities can be shared, and there are great perks too. If you would like to know more, please reach out to willoughbyroos@gmail.com.

Roos News December 2024 – Holiday Edition

Hi to all our Roos Members

Can you believe that for most of our Roos, there are just a few more school days left until the end of Term 4, and only a few weeks until our favorite time of year? Where has the time gone?

Reflecting on the 2024 season, it was a journey of highs and lows. The season started slowly with numerous washed-out training sessions and games. It wasn’t until June that the weather finally turned favorable for rugby league. Interestingly, we didn’t have a single washout after the King’s Birthday weekend.

We then had a fantastic finals campaign, with most teams playing deep into August, including our senior team. Congratulations to our U16 League Tag team, who fought valiantly in their Grand Final, narrowly missing out on the win. Huge applause to our U13s and U14s teams, who both came away with premiership titles this year!

A major highlight of the year was the unveiling of our Roos scoreboard, which added so much to the game-day atmosphere at the park. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your generous donations. It’s heartwarming to see such a supportive community rallying behind the club.

As we approach the holiday season, there are a few important updates to share before we all sign off for 2024…

2025 Registration Fees

Last year, the club reduced the overall registration fee by $25 to $250 to accommodate changes to the Active Kids Voucher program, as a way to thank parents for their support.

However, 2024 presented challenges, including the loss of canteen income due to wet weather and the reduced registration fees, which impacted the club financially. While we operate as a not-for-profit organisation, we aim to cover costs and maintain a healthy balance sheet to sustain the club for years to come.

For 2025, we’ve made the tough decision to restore registration fees to the 2023 rate of $275. An early bird discount of $25 will be available for registrations completed before 4th February, bringing the fee back down to $250. This remains competitively priced compared to other winter sports in the area, especially considering our fantastic community and club culture.

We will also continue offering the Multi-Roo Discount, reducing fees for subsequent registrations within the same family by $25 per child. For example:

1st registration: $275
2nd registration: $250
3rd registration: $225, and so on.

This discount can be used alongside the early bird offer!

2025 Registrations Open Now via MySideline

It’s hard to believe but registrations are now open for the 2025 Season.

Click here to get started: Registration Link

In 2025 we will again be running with Player Names on all our competition age groups and you will need to register before our first come and try to get your name on your jersey.

Note: If you are registering multiple players in your family, please reach out to your manager or the committee who will organise a special code to apply the Multi Roo Discount.

New Season, New Merch!

After 10 years of rocking the same hoodie design, we thought it was time for a refresh! This season, we’re thrilled to launch a brand-new range of Hoodies, Track Pants, and Leggings inspired by our current player kit. These new additions are sure to keep you warm, comfortable, and looking sharp all season long.

Hoodies – Adult $80 / Kids $70

Made from super warm fleece, these stylish new hoodies not only look fantastic but will keep you warm on those cold winter mornings.

Track Pants – Adult $70 / Kids $60

Roos Track Pants are sure to be a hit with parents on those cold winter training nights. Our little Roos will love these for training and game day !

Roos Custom Leggings – Adult $80

Roos Leggings are sure to be a hit with Mums looking for a stylish way to show off their Roos Colours. With two pockets these babies are super functional too!

You can snag these items right now during the registration process as add-ons, and they’ll also be available in the Roos Merch Shop within the next few days!

2025 Come and Try Days & Little Roos Program

Our 2025 Come and Try Days are locked in for Sunday, 2nd February and Sunday, 16th March. These events are vital for introducing new families and players to the club.

We’re especially looking to recruit players for the following age groups:

U4/6 Tag, U7, U8, U9
U12, U14, U16, and U18 League Tag
U14 and U16 Women’s Tackle

Our popular Little Roos Program for ages 3–5 will also return in late January/early February. This program focuses on teaching rugby league skills in a fun, friendly environment with the support of our wonderful coaches.

Keep an eye out for banners and flyers around the district promoting both programs. Please spread the word about our amazing club and share details with anyone who might be interested in trying Rugby League.

Holiday Season is upon us…

The silly season is nearly here, and I know I’m looking forward to a well-earned break after another incredible year with the Roos.

On behalf of the entire committee, thank you for your contribution to the success of our club in 2024. A special shoutout to our team volunteers and committee members—your hard work and dedication make this club the amazing community it is.

We wish you all a wonderful holiday season! Wherever your travels take you, don’t forget to tag us in your “Roos on Tour” holiday snaps featuring your ‘roo’ in their Roos gear.

See you all in 2025.

Go Roos

Dave, Jodi & the Roos Committee

Roos News FINALS Edition 2024

Willoughby Roos Grand Final Fever!

It’s the most exciting time of the year, Roos fans—Grand Final Day is just around the corner! Our teams have been giving it their all, and now it’s time to cheer them on as they battle it out for glory.

Grand Final Teams
Mark your calendars for Saturday 31 August and head to the field to support our Roos! Here’s the line-up:

1:00 PM: U16 Tag v Lane Cove Tigers
2:00 PM: U13 Bronze v Penno Staggs
4:00 PM: U14 Silver v North Sydney Brothers

Whether you’re there for the whole day or just a match or two, be sure to stop by the Roos tent up on the hill for some good company and even better vibes. Plus, after our teams have left it all on the field, stay to watch the Bears take on the Knights—it’s going to be a cracker of a day!

Grab your tickets now here to ensure you don’t miss a second of the action!

Casino Royale Night – Glam Up for a Good Cause!

Channel your inner James Bond and get ready for an unforgettable night at our annual Roos fundraiser on Friday, September 13th! Yes, it’s Casino Night, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.

Dress to impress in your most glamorous Bond-inspired outfit—there’s a prize waiting for the Best Dressed Couple, so don’t hold back! As you mingle, enjoy silent auctions, high-stakes fun, and the thrill of becoming the Chip Leader, with prizes at the end of the night.

This is not just a night to remember, but an important fundraiser to support our Roos. All the glitz, glamour, and good times are for a great cause!

Get your tickets now here and let’s make it a night to remember!

Save the Date – Presentation Day, Sunday, September 29th

Can you believe it? The season’s end is already upon us, and what a season it’s been! Before we switch gears to summer sports, let’s come together one last time to celebrate everything we’ve achieved this year.

Join us at Willoughby Park on Sunday, September 29th for our Annual Presentation Day. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Plus, it’s a great excuse for a good old-fashioned catch-up before we head into the off-season.

Stay tuned for more details—but for now, save the date!

Kit Bag for Kids – Give Your Gear a New Life

We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Kit Bag for Kids, a fantastic organisation dedicated to repurposing sports gear for underprivileged kids across Australia. Have some old playing kit, boots, or headgear in good condition? Don’t let it gather dust—let it make a difference!

Bring any gear you’d like to donate to Presentation Day, and we’ll make sure it gets to kids who will give it a second life. Together, we can make a real impact—one kit bag at a time.

Go Roos! 🦘

Roos News December 2023

Hi to all our Roos Members

Well, it’s been a few months since we have seen you all and the committee hope you are all having a wonderful off-season. Despite the rain over the last week or so, Willoughby has been heating up over the last few months and getting ready for a wonderful summer break.

The committee have come together for the first time since our Presentation Day and thought we would share some important updates with you before we all formally clock off for the 2023.

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors & 2024 Program

Firstly, a big thank you to all our 2023 sponsorship partners who contributed to the Roos this year. Without the help of our generous sponsors, we would not be able to create the fun, safe and encouraging environment we have for all our players, our families and our team volunteers.

As we do every year, the Roos are now looking for Local Businesses within the Roos, and the wider within Willoughby Community, to partner with for 2024. Partnerships help the Roos put teams on the field each year and can be either financial or non-financial.

If you run a business, or you know someone who does, and would like to be a part of our partnership program for 2024, then please reach out to me and we can arrange a discussion on opportunities available and synergies and alignment between your brand and the Roos.

2024 Active Kids Voucher Program

As you would all be aware, the Active Kids voucher program will be changing for 2024. In 2024 the voucher program will be reduced to $50 per child, issued in term 1 and 3. The NSW Government will introduce means testing to the program, meaning Families will only have access to an Actives Kids Voucher if they eligible for Family Tax A or B benefits.

We know this program was important to all our families whose children play multiple sports across the winter months, and we are disappointed that the program is changing in such a way it may prohibit kids access to sport and creative activities. To respond to this, the Roos will implement 2 key changes to the 2024 membership fees:

Reduce the overall registration fee from $275 to $250 for 2024. With the early bird discount of $25 prior to 4th Feb, that reduces the overall fee to $225
Re-Introduce Multi Roo Rego discount, reducing any subsequent registrations by $25 / Child. E.g. 1st Rego $250, 2nd Rego $ 225, 3rd Rego $200 etc. This will run in conjunction with the early bird discount.

We hope that these small changes help in some way with cost-of-living pressures to ensure all our kids get access to our wonderful community.

2024 Registrations Open Now via MySideline

It’s hard to believe but registrations are now open for the 2024 Season.

Regos have opened early this year to capture any of those 2023 Active Kids vouchers that have not been used that will expire at the end of December. Given the changes to the program mentioned above, this is the last chance to get maximum value of any vouchers that you haven’t used this year.

Click here to get started: Registration Link

In 2024 we will again be running with Player Names on all our competition age groups for 2024, and you will need to register before our first come and try to get your name on your jersey.

Note: If you are registering multiple players in your family, please reach out to your manager or the committee who will organise special code to cater apply the Multi Roo Discount.

2024 Come and Try Days & Little Roos Program

The 2024 Come and Try Days have been locked in for Sundays 4th Feb and 3rd March. These days are crucial to our recruitment of new families and players to our club. Key areas that we will be looking for in 2024 are:

U4/6 Tag, U7, U8s
U12 & U16 League Tag
U14 & U16 Women’s Tackle

We will again be running our Little Roos Program for 3 > 5 yrs. in late January / Early Feb. This program is for those kids who want to learn the skills of rugby league in a friendly environment with our wonderful coaches.

You will start seeing banners and flyers popping up across the district with details for both programs, so please spread the word of our wonderful club and share with anyone you think may be interested in trying the game of Rugby League.

Pre-Season Training

As we did last year, we will be looking to run our Pre-season Training for our U11+ players from mid-January. Session will be on Tuesday nights from 5.30pm running for an hour. Cost will be $5 / per child, or $25 for all 6 sessions if you pay in advance. Watch out on our socials for more details when they are released.

Holiday Season is upon us…

Finally, the silly season is almost upon us, and I know I am looking forward to a well-deserved break after another epic season with the Roos.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every one of you for your contribution to our great club for the 2023 season. A special mention goes out to all our team volunteers and our committee for all off their efforts this season. Without them, would not have this amazing club and the vibrant community that supports it.

The Roos hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season, whatever it is you are up to, and don’t forget to tag us in any “Roos On Tour” holiday snaps you take with your kids in Roos gear!

See you all in 24.

Go Roos

Dave, Jodi & the Roos Committee

Roos News – February 2023

Welcome to Roos News

It’s almost time!!! Bring on the 2023 Season!

You can almost feel the excitement in the air. NRL pre-season trails are behind us, and you can almost count on one hand the number of sleeps before the season proper commences.

In club land is a similar level of excitement, with pre-season training set to finish with a bang on Tuesday as the North Sydney Bears Women’s tackle team coming down to Willoughby Park give all our players a rev up, and then our first official training sessions starting this Thursday.

Our registration numbers again look strong for this season and this year the club will field a few new teams that we haven’t been able to put on the park in previous seasons, being our u13s and Senior teams. There is always room for more, and we can’t wait to see you all and your mates at the Come & Try on Sunday 5^th March.

The gear designs have been finalised and the orders are in, so it’s almost time for us to get our own game on, with Round 1 for u12 / u13 / u16 & Seniors starting on 15/16 April and all other age groups starting 22/23 April.

Look forward to seeing you all on the training paddock this Thursday!!

Go Roos!!

Dave

Official Training for 2023

Training for 2023 will officially kick off on THURSDAY 2nd MARCH at Willoughby Park.

Due to the number of teams we have we will be running a tight training schedule to ensure all teams get adequate time on the field.

Under 6s to Under 9s – 4:30pm to 5:25pm

Under 10s, 11s & 12s – 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Under 12s & 14s TAG – 5:30pm to 6:30pm (Lower Oval)

Under 13s, 16s & Seniors – 6:30pm +

Under 16s TAG – 6:30pm + (Lower Oval)

Your coach/manager will be in touch if there are any changes to the above.

Mouthguards

Mobile Mouthguards will be in attendance at our first training session Thursday 2nd March 5pm to 7pm taking digital scans for Mouthguards!

This service was popular last year and our players loved the ability to totally customise their mouthguards plus the impressions were taken digitally – so no dealing with a mouthful of molding clay! 🙂

Mobile Mouthguards is:

✓Health Fund Redeemable (Provider No 4465211X. Item No 151 – Mouthguard)
✓Fully custom– design, name and number labelled within!
✓Best fit, comfort and quality available
✓Exclusive Price of only $220 (INC.GST) – Pay on the day via cash, credit card or debit card.

For more info click here: Mobile Mouthguards

Open Pre-Season Training Session

We are opening up our pre-season training THIS Tuesday 28th February from 5pm – 6:30pm for ALL to attend for FREE.

This will be a great afternoon as we will have a number of North Sydney Bears NSW Cup Players coming to help, along with some of the North Sydney Bears Harvey Norman Womens team.

This is also great opportunity for an NEW players considering joining the Roos to come along, so if you have any friends or family keen on seeing what the Club is all about please bring them down!

Come & Try Day

Our 2nd Come & Try Day will be on SUNDAY 5 MARCH at Willoughby Park #2 from 11am to 1pm. We welcome all new and returning players to come down for a run around and BBQ.

It is always a great morning of FUN, FOOTY and making new FRIENDS!

Registrations for 2023

THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE 2023 SEASON.

Under 6s – League Tag
Under 7s – League Tag + TACKLE
Under 8s – Mini League
Under 9s – 12s – Mod League
Under 13s + Rugby League
Girls League Tag 10 to 16 yo

For all NEW PLAYERS who register they will receive not only their playing kit and training shirt, but a Hoodie, Backpack and Roos Cap.

ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS ACCEPTED!

If you have any questions please contact one of our Committee Members.

Regards

Roos Committee