The Narrogin Whitford United team took home the trophy at the fourth Southern Cross annual soccer tournament on 27 October at the Catholic John XXIII College. Photo: Kevin Clark.
By Amanda Murthy
A collaboration between Narrogin Parish (St Matthew’s Church) and Whitford Parish (Our Lady of the Mission Church) proved to be a recipe of success, when the team referred to as Narrogin Whitford United emerged as champions at the Southern Cross annual soccer tournament on Saturday 27 October at the John XXIII Catholic College.
This would be the fourth tournament organised by The Knights of the Southern Cross (KSCWA), aimed at gathering various Catholic youth and young adult groups in Perth –to expand their social network in a fun and recreational environment.
Every year the money raised from the event is directed to the KSCWA various Catholic youth-related initiatives, including the Knights Catholic Leadership Academy for Catholic high school students.
Southern Cross Soccer Tournament Project Manager Damian Stefanoff congratulated the winners, citing that the overwhelming response and support received this year encouraged the organisers to host an even bigger event next year.
Nine teams participated in the Southern Cross annual soccer tournament on Saturday 27 October at the Catholic John XXIII College. Photo: Kevin Clark.
Mr Stefanoff said he was glad to see many priests, seminarians, and youth present both playing and supporting the event.
“We were very lucky that the weather was perfect. The nine participating teams were split into two groups and each team had the chance to play for at least three games,” he added.
“Father Pavol Herda was the captain of the Kelmscott Good Shephard team and was a very handy player, a couple of seminarians also played for the Good Shephard team, and few Parish Priests that came along to support their Parishes, which was great to see.
“The champions won with a 7-2 score in the grand-final, and we were happy to present them with the $350 cash prize,” Mr Stefanoff concluded.
Narrogin Whitford United player Mark Tenney from Narrogin Parish commented on his experience.
“Here in our little country town of Narrogin, what we lacked in size, we made up in spirit. The parishioners were very encouraging and supportive of our soccer team and we were proud to be able to bring the cup back home to them for the very first time,” Mr Tenney said.
“Our team, which also drew members from Whitford Parish, who were past champions, played together with intensity and focus all day with our unique blend of potent attack and stoic defence; was the perfect alliance. Thank you to the Knights for a well-organised tournament.”