WATCHING their kids play sport. It's a major factor in the life of Chatham couple Leisa Smith and Bevan Coleman.
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So Leisa admits she is struggling at the moment with all sport on hold because of COVID-19 restrictions.
"I'm really missing it,'' Leisa laments. "I just want the footy to start.''
Leisa's son, Jacob, is a halfback for Taree Red Rovers in the Group Three Junior Rugby League league. Daughter, Ashlee, 17, plays league tag for Taree City in the Group Three competition, while she was previously a representative netballer.
As such weekends were generally hectic in Leisa's household in winter.
"We'd usually start at 7am, depending on where we had to play,'' Leisa explains.
Leisa and Bevan can be found at grounds anywhere from Tuncurry to Kempsey during the season. Bevan also coaches Jacob's team - they won the under 14 premiership in 2019 and were looking forward to defending their title this year.
"What I really miss - apart from watching the kids play - is getting out and supporting community sport,'' Leisa said.
"Interacting with other parents and kids in the team as well as the opposition. I really enjoy that.''
It's also a family affair. Leisa's mum and dad, Norma and Barrie and her sister Nerida and her son, Oliver, all attend matches together. (Barrie is a former long serving secretary of Group Three Rugby League).
"It's a great way for us all to catch-up after the working week,'' Leisa said.
"We go and watch all the grades. It's been an important part of our life for a long time.''
Leisa added the break from organised sport has been tough on her kids - especially Jacob.
"His team has been together since they were under sixes,'' she said.
"They're all pretty close.
"Jacob's missing the routine of training a couple of times a week and catching up with his mates who attend other schools.
"And this would have been a big year for them as defending premiers.''
Group Three Junior League is aiming to start the season next month.
"We're hoping to get word soon on when we can start training,'' Leisa said.
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However, it's not as clear cut with league tag, with a decision yet to be made by Group Three on when or if there'll be any senior football here this year.
"Ash is doing her HSC, so she could be off at the end of the year, depending on what happens,'' Leisa said.
"So it will be disappointing if she doesn't get to play what might be her final season here.''
Summer is equally as busy in the household, with Jacob playing junior and occasionally senior cricket, where he teams with Bevan with United third grade.
Jacob and Ash play touch football in the various Taree competitions as well as in representative tournaments. Leisa and Bevan are regulars at matches, especially junior cricket and rep touch.
"Let's just hope things are back to something like normal by then,'' Leisa said.
