He may have only just turned 12 but Sam Toulson is already reaching football milestones – the United Beaches Barras Under 12 recently becoming the club’s first player to reach 100 Games.
The United Beaches Barras (the Bohle River flows through the area and is synonymous with barramundi fishing) formed in 2008 as part of AFL Queensland’s expansion into the northern suburbs of Townsville.
Sam was one of the first players to throw on the boots for the club, starting as a seven year old in the Under 9’s competition.
In the early days the club struggled to get consistent numbers on match day so young Sam would often put his hand up to play an extra game, helping him reach the magic 100 mark sooner than most.
Sam now concentrates on the U12 competition but regularly steps up into the U14’s for a game.
He also made the Primary School Sports U12 North Queensland Rep team this year and travelled to the Gold Coast for the Queensland Championships.
Sam’s father Geoff Toulson – who is also the United Beaches Barras Club President – is understandably proud of his young son’s achievement.
“It is a big thing for Sam and the club for our first player to make the “ton”,” said Geoff.
The club has come a long way since its inception, with 2012 being the first year the Barras have fielded an U16 team and boasted a full complement of junior teams in all age groups.
“The club now has full rosters every week in each junior age group which is a great effort from our committee and members,” said Geoff.
