Year 10 student, Noah Golds from Holy Cross College Ryde, is not just any other representative school sport player. Golds is a multi-talented, multi-athlete student who is on track to building a promising sporting career.
Since getting involved with rugby league at the age of four, Noah has developed an intricate set of skills and talents that have helped him be an active player in six school representative sports in the past two years alone; NSW All Schools AFL team, NSWCCC AFL Team, Sydney Catholic Schools Rugby League, GWS Giants Super 24, Parramatta Eels NRL Development, and Parramatta Association Cricket.
“My dad and my grandmother were the ones who first got me into sports seriously. They signed me up to our local NRL club, the Greystanes Devils, and that’s really where it all started. From the first time I played, I just loved it,” Golds says.
“I started playing AFL because the games were on Sundays, so it didn’t clash with my NRL games on Saturdays.
“Later on, I also picked up cricket, Oztag, and Touch during the summer months, and I’ve enjoyed them too.”
But like anything, this skill and success doesn’t come without hard work and dedication. A typical week sees Noah doing up to five training sessions, spanning between one and two hours each, on top of the weekday and weekend matches.
At times, this busy schedule can pose a challenge when trying to balance both school and personal life.
“I balance everything by sticking to a routine. I usually have training either before or after school or on some days both, then at night I make sure to study or do my homework before going to bed”.
Holy Cross College’s Sports Coordinator, Tim White has the upmost respect for Noah. “Noah’s ability to seamlessly transition and excel across multiple sports is nothing short of remarkable, showcasing his natural talent Noah consistently represents our school with immense pride, integrity, and sportsmanship.
“He is a role model for his peers, demonstrating how passion and commitment can lead to outstanding success both on and off the field,” he said.
To stay inspired to put in the work, Golds has two primary influences that motivate him to continue his dedication to the game.
“Personally, the biggest influence on my sporting career has been my dad and my grandmother. They’ve supported me since I first started playing at age four and they still come to every game they can. No matter the result, they cheer me on and keep me motivated.
“Professionally, I really look up to Darcy Jones from the GWS Giants. He’s a young player and not as tall as most AFL players, but he never backs down from a challenge. I admire how hard he works and how he takes on bigger opponents without fear.”
Golds’ hours of work have paid off, with one of his greatest achievements thus far being making the Under 15 NSW All Schools AFL team, for which he’ll be travelling to Queensland in July to compete at the AFL Nationals with. The best Under 15 AFL players from all over Australia will be there.
In the next few years, Golds aims to get drafted and play AFL at the professional level, or simply be involved in the sporting industry in any manner possible.
Looking closer for 2026, Noah wants to continue excelling at the representative level, and is hoping to be successful in joining the NSWCCC Rugby League team.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned from playing sport is that nothing gets handed to you,” he says.
“If you want to improve or succeed, you have to put in the time and effort. Hard work and focus can make a difference.”