At 49 years of age, Verity Chappell is not one to just sit back and watch her four children play sport from the sidelines.
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Instead, the inspirational Corlette mother prefers to be on the field playing alongside her children, leading by example and being a great role model.
It was hardly surprising that Verity has become the first female to play 50 games of ladies league tag for the Stroud Raiders.
What's more, she achieved her remarkable feat while playing alongside all three of her daughters, Milly Harrison, 26, Tylah Harrison, 18, and Summah Harrison, 15.
Fittingly, the team is coached by Verity's husband and Port Stephens rugby league stalwart Simon Chappell, while the couple's 11-year-old son Hunter Chappell is the team ball-boy.
"I have been playing league tag for Stroud since the club first entered a team back in 2018, and in that time I have only missed one game due to an injury," Verity said.
"I have the honour and privilege of captaining the team and this year I have had the good fortune to play alongside my three daughters... a moment I cannot put into words and something I will truly cherish forever."
The Raiders compete in the Newcastle Central Coast competition, under the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League banner.
"This year we have been pushed up to A grade, which is extremely tough and fast paced. The quality of football is next level up, but we have some great talent and we are up for the challenge with a never say die attitude."
During the summer months, Verity switches to Oztag, playing in Port Stephens, where she has represented at State Cup and national championships.
"I like to keep relatively fit and healthy by attending the gym regularly. I have also previously played cricket and indoor netball," she said.
"What I love about league tag and the Stroud football club is how welcoming the members have been to our family. I love how inclusive the game is, we have all ages and abilities within the team and everyone gives it there all when on the field.
"I love the friendships I have made, the camaraderie within the team and the fact that I can call this team my 'footy family". I particularly love that I am able to play alongside my three daughters, it's a dream come true."
Verity is a firm believer that age is just a number. "If you have the passion and the want to play, then go out there and do it. I think it's important that my daughters see their mum being active, doing what she loves and embracing the challenge of playing a physically demanding sport."
Husband Simon Chappell has coached the ladies league tag team for the past three seasons, starting in 2019 when they won the grand final against Dungog.
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