Specialist - PE

School Soccer Report

Last Friday the 2nd of June, 2023 Miners Rest Primary School transported a team of thirteen enthusiastic students to the recently renovated Wendouree West Reserve to play in a local soccer tournament.  Schools from Ballarat and surrounding districts attended the event with public and private schools invited to compete.  The overall atmosphere was brilliant because not only did players and teachers attend but also families, parents and local senior soccer players.  

A highlight for me, upon arrival, was watching our students reunite with former students and friends from other schools before play commenced.  I loved seeing their excited and happy faces when they found someone they knew.

Our team consisted of eleven boys and two girls spread across both grades five and six.   Just two of our children play competitive soccer outside of school but the majority who represented our school did have a background in other team sports. 

The draw card saw us play on pitch one for the entire day and compete against four other schools which included Eummaes, St. Francis Xavier, St. Columbus and Buninyong.   Out of the four games that we played we lost three and drew the final match 1-1.

I felt so privileged to escort such an eager and dedicated group of students to an event such as this.  Prior to the tournament they consistently showed up to training at lunchtimes and worked really hard to establish game plans and a  greater understanding of soccer.  Although they didn’t have the success we hoped for, it didn’t stop their drive to continue to put pressure on opponents and play as best they could to win the ball and score.  

A huge big thank you and well done to the following students for allowing me to coach them on Friday.  There is nothing better than seeing children keep fit and have fun.

Atticus M, Jed G, Eli F, Tanah P, Chloe Q, Ryder S, Vincent H, Cooper W, Felix M, Klay R, Nicholas H and Levi M.

We also had a surprise visit from Aiden C who was meant to play but could not attend due to illness.  Aiden plays competition soccer and had some handy hints for our players during breaks between games. Thanks Aiden!

As a famous ‘football’ player once said, “Football isn’t necessarily won by the best players.  It’s won by the team with the best attitude”.

And I can certainly say that before, during and after the tournament our Miners Rest Primary School team had the very best attitude no matter what the score was.  

Excellent work, my friends!