Priding themselves as the “biggest soccer academy in Western Australia”, the Mercy College Soccer Academy (MCSA) has gained another achievement under its belt as its senior boys team emerged victors of the 2020 Champion Schools State Finals on 16 September.
Held at the National Premier Leagues Balcatta Soccer Club, the Mercy Senior Boys team defeated John Curtin College of the Arts 3-1 with goals scored by Nick Burmej and Thomas McLoughlin. The Senior Girls team were not far off, coming in second place in their respective competition.
MSCA currently has 500 students enrolled from Years 1 to 12. Established in 2012, the programme caters for boys and girls and is gender streamed. It runs 22 teams per year, playing more than 100 matches under the tutelage of five Football Federation Association qualified coaches.
Mercy College’s Head of Soccer Academy Tristram Morgan commended the team on its outstanding performance, reflecting on his side’s journey to victory.
“The win was a cathartic moment for all the staff, students, parents and ex-students involved,” Mr Morgan expressed.
“It broke the cycle of having reached, and lost, nine previous State Finals. There was so much raw emotion at the final whistle! It was so good to see so many former students come down for the game to support us and celebrate with us afterwards.
“Credit to the boys, as they trained meticulously on their return to school [they missed four weeks because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions] and focussed on their fitness and developing a game plan for the season,” he added.
In his ninth year as Head of the Soccer Academy, having previously been Head of Physical Education and Health at the College for four years, Mr Morgan believes sport has played a vital role in developing many of the school’s core values.
“From ‘excellence’ in how we train and play to ‘service’ in representing the college with pride, to ‘dignity’ in how we treat one another and our opposition,” he explained.
“Sport teaches transferable life skills to our students, such as commitment, resilience and humility whilst also developing physical fitness and mental wellbeing.”
Part of the reason the academy is successful is credited to its culture of inclusivity – all students are welcome to join, regardless of ability or previous experience.
“Our aim to teach and coach all students, whether they want to progress to the elite level, play soccer in a social or amateur capacity for a club, or play indoor football with their friends,” Mr Morgan explained.
“We place as much emphasis on female participation and development as we do with male participation.
“Our academy girls have made five State Finals in the past five years. My aim is to help them to develop a passion for soccer and participate at club level where they can continue their development,” he cited.
Whilst the academy played for a trophy, Mr Morgan says he represents the school in agreement that the ultimate prize was “knowing that we had been recognised as the best team in the State”.
“I would like to thank the dedicated staff in the academy: Hayden King, Simone Morgan, Jordanna Henderson, and Cassandra Greenwell, who have put in so much of their time to nurture and develop the students,” Mr Morgan said gratefully.
“They have coached over 900 games since the inception of the academy, each putting in around 400 extra-curricular hours per year to make the academy so special.
“Staff and students alike, call it the ‘soccer family’,” he concluded.