Sydney Catholic Schools is excited to announce a new partnership between one of its oldest Colleges and football powerhouse Sydney FC.
At the launch of the new partnership at Sydney’s Centre of Excellence at Sky Park, Macquarie University Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey welcomed St Mary’s Cathedral College as the newest member of the Sydney FC “family.” At Sydney FC, we see this partnership as a powerful step in broadening our community engagement efforts,” Aubrey said.
Students and staff were given a tour of the world-class facilities at Sky Park and an opportunity to see some of the Sydney FC players in training.
St Mary’s Cathedral College Principal, Mrs Kerrie McDiarmid, expressed excitement at what opportunities this new adventure would provide for the students at the College. Mrs McDiarmid explained that the College is always looking to provide innovative new ways of learning and connections with Sydney FC would definitely provide this.
“We believe this program will foster discipline, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment, which will benefit our students both on and off the field.”
The College will be introducing a Stage 5 elective called “Football Focus” in 2025 and the partnership will allow students access to the inner workings of Australia’s most successful A League club as part of their learning. The program will also see Sydney FC Coaches provide weekly football skills sessions at the College. The football skills will not only focus on technical skills but also cover key topics such as nutrition, video analysis and recovery strategies.
St Mary’s is currently an all boys’ College but next year the College has its first intake of girls in Kindergarten through to Year 7 and Mrs McDiarmid highlighted that the partnership was also exciting for the young girls enrolling at the College as they will have the opportunity to be coached by Sydney FC female players in the years to come.
Both Sydney FC and St Mary’s Cathedral College look forward to a successful year of collaboration, hoping to inspire a new generation of football enthusiasts within the school and maybe even a future star of the club!