Scotch College

Canberra Soccer Tour

It may be that Scotch College soccer is entering a golden era. In light of the talent among senior players, Mr Daniel Casey established a development tour to Canberra and the Australian Institute of Sport. Every touring member embraced the opportunity and gained valuable experience.

Learning the correct soccer technique

On Sunday the 13th of April, 19 players, "Coach Casey" and Dr Jackowski arrived at Canberra airport. In every direction the players moved, several soccer balls followed. We boarded the team bus and noted that Mr Casey was the tour driver; we were in safe hands! The Sunday morning was devoted to 'acclimatising'. We checked in at Rydges Resort and then visited the National Science Museum, Dr Jackowski's 'bread and butter'. The afternoon was similarly relaxing, nothing more than a light training session and warm down. The highlight of Day One was no doubt the high standard Oceania World Cup qualifying match between the Australian 'Matildas' and New Zealand that evening. The Matildas won 2-0 in convincing fashion.

The real business of the tour began on Monday. The team journeyed to the AIS for a comprehensive tour of its facilities and a training session with Steve 'Rocky' O'Connor, the Head of Men's Soccer Australia. Steve's coaching was invaluable to the team and greatly appreciated. After lunch, each team member was presented with the touring uniform. These were generously funded by the efforts of fundraising amongst our tour members and their parents…THANK YOU! Evening came and a serious tone beset each and every player. We prepared for our first match against the ACT state team. The match was fought with great determination and in true Scotch spirit. The first half score line read 0-0, so far a satisfactory performance. The second half saw many changes and the team conceded 5 goals. Although the score line read 5-0, all players stepped up to the challenge and performed excellently. Tuesday morning we were back at the AIS, this time for a recovery session in the pool.

Learning the correct sleeping technique

The team exercised and swam slow laps and soothed any soreness from the previous day's match. Looking to improve our scoring touch, the team had a light training session. Mr Casey had organised a surprise for the afternoon and each boy was frothing at the mouth! The surprise was an eighteen-hole virtual golf course which everyone thoroughly enjoyed…although some should stick to the soccer field. Night descended and the team bus arrived at Canberra's 'Chadstone'. We mingled with the crowd and watched a movie. Afterwards we were very happy to get some sleep. On Wednesday we had our second experience under the guidance of Steve O'Connor. Steve concentrated on set pieces and offensive formations, each player benefited from Steve's knowledge. The tour group rested that afternoon, ensuring that we were in the best possible condition for our second match. That evening we played a revamped Canberra state side. Scotch boys aren't the type to lie down; in this light we matched and often outplayed the best of Canberra. A dominant performance in the midfield and one touch football upfront allowed Anthony Truong and David Latimer to score two coolly finished goals. The first half scoreline read 2-2.

The second half was hard fought, perhaps slightly more defensive. The Canberra side snuck one shot past our fine keeper, Tristan Foenander. The final score was 3-2, a very creditable performance and truly representative of the way we can play.

Thursday was our last day on tour. It was rise and shine at 5.00am. We boarded the bus half asleep and set sail for Sydney's Marconi stadium. Four hours later we were unsure of what to expect as the third-ranked youth team in Australia stepped out of the change rooms. The match was severely one sided in the first half and Marconi drilled five goals. The team slunk into the rooms with heads down but after positive comments we left with chins up. The second half was superb; we contained the Marconi team and kept them goalless. The final score line read 5- 0, a very respectable performance. Lunch was provided in a corporate box, we met the team and one senior player. It was a truly wonderful experience for all the boys. We said our goodbyes and headed for Canberra airport.

The tour was an overwhelming success. Every player learned more about the game, team work, and commitment to each other. Thanks must go to all the boys, and to this year's vice-captain of soccer Nick Jewitt for his leadership. Nick was named player of the tour. Special thanks go to Mr Casey and Dr Jackowski for their organisation and coaching.

Many great things will come for Scotch soccer this year!

David McIntosh
Captain of Soccer