Document Actions
Soccer programme thriving at Christ Church
Christ Church Soccer celebrated its greatest achievement in the School’s history last year when it became PSA premiers for the first time. The School looks set to remain highly competitive over the coming years with good depth, a great coaching line-up across all year levels and a proposed UK tour.
Soccer at Christ Church has gone from strength to strength since Firsts head coach Mark Lee joined Gareth Phillips two years ago. Mark, a former Perth Glory player with his own training and coaching business, lifted the professionalism of the team resulting in the 2011 PSA premiership.
This year, the School has welcomed Reece Vittiglia, captain of last year’s Perth Glory Youth side, to coach the Year 9s and assist with the Firsts. Reece, who was coached by Mark as a teenager, has played with Sunderland and Everton in the UK and currently plays alongside Seconds coach Todd Harnwell in the State league.
Mark, who also assists with the development of players in Years 7 to 9, said he and Reece coached to the same philosophy. “We believe in developing the whole person using football as the vehicle,” he said. “It’s about how you act and the respect you have for others and I think Reece is doing a wonderful job with the Year 9 boys.”
Teacher in Charge of Soccer Mike Ristovsky said 12 old boys coaches were also doing a great work with the younger sides including 2011 premiership players Hamish McCleary (7Bs), Nick Harris (7Bs) and Peter Milsom (7Cs), and fellow 2011 leavers Parris Trahanas (7Ds) and David Cowe (8Cs).
The Firsts, who are currently sitting middle of the ladder in a tight competition, have been ushering in some rising stars from Year 9. Mr Ristovsky said Matt Akehurst, Geremy Fatouros and Anthony Terpkos were holding their own and gaining good experience in the senior squad. Most other teams are on equal wins and losses midway through they year with the 10As continuing to impress.
Adding to the strength of the soccer programme at Christ Church is the announcement of the UK Soccer Tour in April 2013 with a schedule comprising training sessions at Fulham, Everton, Bolton and Watford, together with games against EPL junior development squads and school-based teams. (See Senior School Notices for Years 9 to Year 11)
This weekend’s fixture against top-placed Trinity will be a good test for the Firsts. Last year, Christ Church beat Trinity for the first time in about 20 years. For fixtures, venues and times, click here.