The Redcliffe Seasnakes U16 girls’ rugby team are raising funds to send 20 young athletes to compete in the prestigious Rarotonga 7s rugby tournament.
Hosted at the Tereora National Stadium in the Cook Islands on November 7-9, the Redcliffe Seasnakes have until June to raise the funds to book flights.
Redcliffe Seasnakes Head Coach Ryan Johnstone said this is an opportunity of a lifetime.
“This international competition represents both a significant athletic opportunity and a life-changing experience for these dedicated young women,” Ryan said.
“With women still underrepresented in national and international sports, this tournament offers a powerful incentive for teamwork and dedication, international competition experience and cultural exchange opportunities.
“(The girls will also benefit from) lifetime memories and confidence-building experiences and to be positive role models for younger girls in the community.”
Ryan first became involved in coaching after his daughter wanted to play rugby with friends.
He soon realised that this age group represents a critical juncture for young female athletes, saying that it’s “a time when many either permanently leave sports or develop a lifelong connection,” making it even more important for the community to gather together and raise funds.
Fundraising for Rarotonga
The Rarotonga 7s rugby tournament is currently in its 36th year but is in its second year of featuring an U16 girls’ division.
The team has currently raised approximately $12,000, out of a fundraising goal of $45,000.
Some of the fundraising activities include a GoFundMe campaign, bake sales, raffles and community events, such as club movie nights.
“The fundraising campaign has revealed that many Redcliffe residents were previously unaware of the club,” Ryan said.
“Beyond raising money, the team hopes to raise the profile of women’s rugby in the community, create a family-friendly atmosphere for locals and establish the Redcliffe Seasnakes as a community asset.”
The Redcliffe Seasnakes are also offering sponsorship opportunities that can help the team raise necessary funds – with a variety of different tiers available.
“These young women are some of the most dedicated, hard-working and inspiring humans I have ever met,” Ryan said.
Help the fundraising appeal here: Go Fundme
Read more stories from our Redcliffe Guide print magazine here:
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Reddy Roundup: Updates from the Community
- A Whale Of A Tale
- Polls, Preferences & Power: Your 2025 Voting Guide
- Carp Cyprinus carpio
- Organic Gardening in May
- The Aegean Movie Review
- Making a Scene Podcast Review
- Weight Loss vs Fat Loss: Why the Scales Don’t Tell the Full Story
- Laurie’s Legacy in Volunteering for Community
- Kayo Stadium to Host Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup
- Chamber Chat – May 2025
- Local Book Series Teaches Literacy
- Friends of Redcliffe Botanic Gardens: Nurturing Native Flora
- Blazes and Buckets: Firefighting in Early Redcliffe
- Moreton Bay Multisport Festival Has It All!
- No Cash’ is a ‘No Go’ for Me!
- Redcliffe Library Hosts Sydney Writers’ Festival Live & Local
- Fabric Shop Weaves Sustainability Into Redcliffe’s Community
- New Exhibition at The Loft Unveiled
- The Sewing Studio: A Creative Hub at Redcliffe Library
