Somerset Rail Trail Classic proceeds boost Lowood sports
Published on 25 July 2025
A small club on the rise, the Lowood Stags Junior Rugby League Football Club helped with fundraising efforts at the 2025 Somerset Rail Trail Classic, pictured at the 3km start line.
THANKS to record-breaking registration numbers and the community’s generosity, $2,240 in proceeds from the 22nd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic will be donated to Lowood sporting groups.
Somerset Regional Council’s 2025 event, held Sunday, 14 July, had a record 978 registrations with $2 from every participant and additional donations going straight to community sporting groups.
Based at the Lowood Recreational Complex, the Lowood Stags Junior Rugby League Football Club and the Brisbane Valley Soccer Club will share the proceeds to upgrade their equipment and facilities.
Lowood Recreational Complex Association committee Council representative, Somerset Councillor Brett Freese, said the clubs were worthy beneficiaries.
“These clubs provide training and competition matches in a safe and structured environment for the Somerset community,” Cr Freese said.
“It’s great to be able to support organisations which promote active and healthy lifestyles, which itself is a core foundation of the Somerset Rail Trail Classic.”
Brisbane Valley Soccer Club players and committee members took on the 3km challenge at the 22nd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic, with other volunteers manning water stations.
Brisbane Valley Soccer Club vice president Trent Lewis said the club had grown by 250% in only a few years.
“We’ve gone from 200 members to more than 500, and we’re still growing,” Mr Lewis said.
“These funds will help us buy new balls, netting and other facilities, ensuring the best quality equipment for our young players.”
Mr Lewis said it was a huge honour for the club to share the funding.
“We had about 25 people running on the day, and more volunteers helping out and manning the water stations along the trail.”
Lowood Stags Junior Rugby League Football Club president Adam Rooks said the club has participated in the Somerset Rail Trail Classic for many years.
“This year’s special for our club, and the money raised today will make a big difference,” Mr Rooks said.
“We’re a small club but we’re on the rise up, so that money will be massive for us to help improve our infrastructure but also to get a bit of gear.
“If we can provide somewhere for the kids to get out on the field, that’s a win.
“They don’t have to play rugby league, so long as they’re out on the field having fun, then that’s a job well done.”
In 2026, funds raised from the Somerset Rail Trail Classic will support Fernvale Sports Park users including the Brisbane Valley Rattlers AFC, Somerset Storm Netball Club and the Thunder Cricket Club.