SSP NEWS

SOCCER 

What a terrific start to the new school year! The energy and excitement was felt by not only students but staff members of the SSP soccer program. A new school, a new year, and a new and exciting soccer program. A selected 55 soccer students from around the region were invited to join the program designed and coached by Joey Didulica, Sean Mahon and assisted by our new soccer partners, Melbourne Victory.

The first week has been great, getting to know all the students and helping them settle into Western Heights College. Every student has been tested for their skill competencies as well as their physical capabilities. Agility soccer dribbling, speed dribbling, ball manipulation and running with the ball speed has been recorded. The physical areas tested this week have been an endurance test (yo-yo) agility sprint, and 20m sprint. A reactive hop test, counter movement jump, mid thigh pull was also recorded to assess strength and power of the student.  

The focus of the week in footballing terms was the 'first touch'. Every drill, every game is designed to enhance the first touch of the player. By working on the first touch, the perception of the player is improved. He or she needs to place the first touch of the ball in the area that they intend to play. This will result in not only quicker execution of the ball but faster thinking and decision making.

The effort of all the students has been phenomenal, so check out our Instagram page to see all the kids in action.

BASKETBALL 

The basketball program has started the year well with a lot of new and returning faces. Amanda Paschal (AP) has returned from her visit back to the USA with family to be coaching the students and Aimie Rocci will return later this year. 

The students have spent the first couple of weeks on culture setting and standard setting and then have hit the courts enthusiastically. 

We had a range of students represent our school at various tournaments over the break with a number of students playing for Basketball Victoria Country at the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup in Albury and the Southern Cross Challenge in Melbourne. We would like to pass on a big congratulations to Kye Kelly who was named emergency for the U18 Victorian Country Men's state team. 

Along with those tournaments we also had athletes play in the state 3x3 Hustle tournament in Bendigo. Our WHC athletes competed very well with a lot of them winning and then qualifying for the 3x3 Hustle Nationals later in the year. We want to say a big congratulations to them. 

Lastly, we wish Tanielle Knight good luck in the upcoming U20 Australian Junior Championships which start in Geelong next week, we know she will play great and represent our school well.

AFL

The AFL SSP program for 2023 has started with a bang. All players have been engaged in a comprehensive program embracing all aspects of football development on and off the field. 

Coaches are enthused by the intensity and enthusiasm existing students have returned with and new students have arrived with. 

We will continue to develop upon fundamentals and fitness every session with the focus of making each lesson as engaging as possible. We imagine they are all sleeping very well.