This week we shine a light on Isabel “Izy” Sprackman, one of our dedicated Junior Coordinators and a mum to U12 player Jonny. Izy has been a familiar face around Eltham Rugby since 2019, when her family first joined through the U6 program. What started as helping out on game days — washing jerseys, making snack bags, and working the BBQ — has grown into an important leadership role on the Committee, where she helps steer the junior side of the club alongside her close friend and fellow coordinator, Alana Su’a.
💬 Why Izy Volunteers
Coming from a South African and English household, rugby has always been a big part of life for Izy’s family. She loved that Eltham Rugby gave her son a chance to play from such a young age, and she and her husband Rob (now coaching the U12s) quickly became part of the community. For Izy, rugby is not just about the sport — it’s about family, friendships, and being part of something bigger.
🏉 Favourite Moments
Izy is especially proud of watching her son’s team make the junior finals two years in a row, and she beams at the growth of the youngest players through the Get Into Rugby program. The joy on the faces of the 4–7 year olds is, in her words, “simply beyond cute!”
🍳 Behind the Scenes
On home game days, you’ll often find Izy setting up early, prepping food, or on the BBQ with her partner-in-crime Leigh, music blasting and plenty of laughs with families coming by for sausages and donuts. Away days mean a chance to just be “rugby mum” — cheering from the sideline and catching up with friends.
But being Junior Coordinator is more than game day fun. There’s constant coordination with Rugby Victoria — registrations, fixtures, rules, and wider initiatives — all part of the job that many might not realise.
🌟 In Her Own Words
When asked what she would say to someone considering volunteering:
“Please, please do it! There’s something everyone can do – no matter how much or little time you are able to commit. The whole club is completely reliant on volunteers and it takes an army of us to make each game, each season, each year an enjoyable experience for players, their families and our wider community.”
We’re so grateful to Izy for everything she brings to the club — her energy, her leadership, her warmth, and her willingness to pitch in wherever needed. She truly embodies the spirit of Eltham Rugby. 💛🖤
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