Sydney FC have recently entered a partnership with Matraville Sports High School, making it the sixth high school affiliated with the Sky Blues as part of our academy programs, designed to create the future stars of Australian football.
The school has been a well-renowned sports school for many years and has produced world-class talent across a variety of sports, and this partnership will now allow aspiring footballers at the college to further their skills and chances of perhaps one day making it to an elite level.
Starting this year, students at Matraville Sports High School will now have access to specialised training from the Sky Blues, as Sydney FC opens its first sports academy in Sydney’s east.
Sydney FC W-League player Ally Green said the program offered students “an opportunity that they aren’t otherwise given.”
The school has in the past been well-known for producing some of the best rugby league players in the country, including the likes of current NSW State of Origin pair Boyd Cordner and Josh Addo-Carr.
The emphasis on giving their students a holistic education that has a large emphasis on sporting excellence is why so many of their graduates have gone on to a play at a professional level – and this partnership with Sydney FC will hopefully continue that trend.
OFFICIAL. Matraville Sports HS partners with @SydneyFC, becoming an Academy Football School. Exciting times as Football continues to grow here at Matraville. A huge thanks to @ally_green5 for meeting our students & @guv61 @drt15 @pat_mccann for your support & vision! @antejuric1 pic.twitter.com/JfRAcaCwhq
— Matraville Sports HS (@MatravilleSHS) February 22, 2019
Sydney FC CEO Danny Townsend said the program would be integrated into school time.
“I think having a healthy balance between sports and education is really important for the youngsters of today, and we hope that we can play our part in helping provide that at Matraville Sports High School,” he said.
Sydney FC Academy coaches will train students up to three times a week, creating a pathway to elite-level football.
The proof is that 30 students from five other academy schools in Sydney’s northwest, Sutherland Shire and Northern Beaches are already playing for the club.
Sydney FC Technical Director of Youth Kelly Cross is looking forward to improving the quality of youth development in the eastern region and continuing to build future stars for the Sky Blues.
“Hyundai A-League clubs need to do more for football, and we believe that’s part of our role, to help as many players as possible,” he said.
Matraville Sports High School director of sport Andrew Bobadilla is another person highly excited about the new deal, and said he hoped the program would increase female participation in the game.
“We have a goal to boost women enrolments with football, and with Sydney FC now on board we’re hoping that will come to fruition,” he said.
The school will host an open day for the program on March 14 from 4.30pm.
