»ÆƬÊÓƵ’s championship-winning cricket and football teams are primed to build on their past success when The Associated Schools (»ÆƬÊÓƵ) competition starts this Saturday.
»ÆƬÊÓƵ are aiming for their fifth consecutive Champion »ÆƬÊÓƵ Cricket School title led by the First XI team, last year’s minor premiers, who are focused on claiming this year’s premiership.
The Women’s Football Firsts team were »ÆƬÊÓƵ Premiers in 2020 and captain Taryn Christensen, a member of the championship side, said the team had renewed determination for this season, starting with Saturday’s home game against Canterbury College.
“It was such a great feeling to be part of the 2020 winning side, we worked so hard as a team, we never gave up…and pulled through every situation because we lifted as a team,’’ Taryn said.
Taryn (Year 12) praised coach Pat Boyle, who is General Manager of the Western Pride Football club who are formerly affiliated with EPL side Everton Football Club. Many of »ÆƬÊÓƵ’s players are current and former members of the College’s Football Excellence program, which was created by Matilda’s assistant coach Melissa Andreatta.
“Mr Boyle is a high-level coach and has taught us so much…we have focused on team communication for this season and can’t wait to show our skills with a strong start to the season,’’ Taryn said
“As captain of the team and knowing this is my last year, it has made me even more determined to set a winning example for future generations, so we can continue to build our legacy.’’
»ÆƬÊÓƵ First XI cricket captain Fletcher Madden (Year 12) was proud of »ÆƬÊÓƵ’s cricket legacy and team spirit, and players had trained hard to continue the College’s winning culture this season, starting this Saturday. Fletcher was a member of the 2020 First XI premiership side.
“We are extremely proud that »ÆƬÊÓƵ have been Champion »ÆƬÊÓƵ school for four years and we are excited to have the opportunity to defend this title and to continue this legacy,’’ Fletcher said.
“We are looking forward to playing together again as a team and will be ready from the first ball.’’
Principal Geoff McLay said »ÆƬÊÓƵ students were brimming with excitement and enthusiasm for the first round of the season.
“The commitment and passion shown by our »ÆƬÊÓƵ sports teams, as well as our dedicated coaches, during pre-season training has been inspiring,’’ Mr McLay said.
“At »ÆƬÊÓƵ we focus on developing players’ basic skills and a strong team culture by providing specialist and skilled coaches. This strong »ÆƬÊÓƵ culture of support and team work has been evident in the build up to this weekend’s first round and we expect strong performances.’’
»ÆƬÊÓƵ Head of Sport Rob Hillier said the College has experienced record numbers for their Intermediate cricket teams among boom participation rates across all sports which also includes Boys Volleyball, Girls Basketball and Tennis and Boys and Girls Swimming.
“We are ready to go from round one,’’ Mr Hillier said. “Our mantra is to give students the tools, through access to high-level training and specialist coaching, to help them achieve their individual and team potential.
“We have focused on maintaining the overall success of being Champion »ÆƬÊÓƵ Cricket school by keeping things simple and making cricket enjoyable for all of our students.’’
To learn more about »ÆƬÊÓƵ’s high-level sports programs, click here, and Football Excellence program, click here.
To learn more about the opportunities and coaching support as part of the scholarship program, click herehere.
For more information:
»ÆƬÊÓƵ Senior Communications and Events Officer
Fiona Purdon
P:07 3813 4518 and M: 0429 491 335