RUGBY ACADEMY
What a term it has been for our Rugby Academy.
This term, our U15 Boys and Girls have competed in the Vic Shield, with both teams recording 2 wins and 2 losses across the first two days of competition.
The growth and progress we have seen from our students has been outstanding, particularly for those playing Rugby Union for the first time.
Competing against quality academies such as Melton, Lara and The Grange has provided our students with valuable experience and helped us continue to grow as an academy.
A standout result for our boys was a strong win against Melton, one of the first schools to establish a Rugby Academy program. The boys also narrowly went down to Lara 15–14 on Day 2 in a fantastic contest.
Our girls produced some great performances as well, including a massive win against neighbouring school Mernda Central College on Day 1 and another strong victory against Fountain Gate on Day 2.
As coaches, it has been extremely pleasing to see the improvement from Day 1 to Day 2 and watch our students transfer the skills and structures we have practised at training onto the field. The commitment shown by our students to training, improving their skill level and competing for one another is a major reason we have been able to compete with some of the bigger and more established academies in Victoria in our first year.
Our Rugby Academy is about more than just what happens on the field. Our students have also continued to work hard in the classroom.
Our Year 10 students have been making great progress with their Sport Coaching coursework, continuing to complete their work and develop their understanding of coaching and sport.
Our Year 9 students are currently focusing on Nutrition, learning about the foods that best fuel their bodies and how nutrition can impact performance, recovery and overall health.
It has been great to see students connect what they are learning in the classroom with their experiences as athletes.
A special mention to three of our boys who trialled for the Victoria U15 Rugby Union side – Daniel Baggio, Zachias Loau and K-Jay Mataafa.
A huge congratulations to K-Jay, who was selected in the final squad!
Like many of our students, these boys have a Rugby League background. To step up and trial against players who have played Rugby Union as their main sport highlights the talent and potential we have within our Rugby Academy.
A massive thank you to our staff members who continue to support us on game days, and to all our families for their ongoing support. It has been fantastic to see our academy community come together and support our students. We now look forward to Day 3 of the Vic Shield on Wednesday 26 August, which will be our final round-robin round.
We are extremely proud of what our students have achieved so far and look forward to seeing them continue to grow, compete and represent Mickleham Secondary College with pride.
Taiso Silafai Leaana
Rugby Co-ordinator
