Joeys win inaugural Sydney Football Club Cup

St Joseph’s College proved its football players are force to be reckoned with after taking out the inaugural Sydney Football Club Schools Cup in April.

The College entered an U15 team into the competition, which was designed by Sydney FC to unearth potential new talent while assisting schools to develop their football programs by providing additional competition.

The round-robin competition, held at The King’s School, Parramatta, began with a tightly contested game between between St Joseph’s and Sydney Grammar School which resulted in a nil all draw. The Joeys boys then won games against St Aloyisius’ College, Milsons Point; Redlands, Cremorne and The Shore School, North Sydney and drew with King’s, sending them through to the grand final – a re-match against their first round opponents, Grammar.

With the grand final came a larger pitch, a welcome change for the Joeys as it allowed the boys to utilise their strong passing game and speed. Grammar put up a brave and worthy fight, but the St Joseph’s attack and defence were unrelenting and the Joeys boys took the win in a tremendous 3-2 game.

Convenor of Football at SJC, Mrs Sue Tracey congratulated the boys for enthusiastically giving up their holiday time to represent St Joseph’s. “All the games showed a very high standard of play and I have no doubt the event will grow in popularity for this age group over the coming years,” she said.

“We sincerely thank Mr David Alessi and Mr Loris Snaidero for coaching and managing the team so magnificently. Also, thanks to the many parents who supported the players for the day despite the inclement weather. The carnival was a lot of fun and the boys played each game with determination, and finesportsmanship.”

A number of Sydney FC representatives visited St Joseph’s College to congratulate the winning team. Sydney FC Captain Terry McFlyyn also presented the boys with a trophy and a framed, signed Sydney FC jersey. The team was also presented with the Fair Play Award, comprising an un-catered, outdoor box at Allianz Stadium for one home match which can be used by the school or auctioned off or raffled, for the best disciplinary record during the tournament.