Football academy kicks goals
ACADEMIC and soccer success should go hand in hand for years to come at Newton’s St Francis of Assisi School, thanks to a new program.
The reception to Year 7 school has introduced the Simply Football Academy program aimed at giving its students a pathway to district, club and possibly state soccer.
On the field the school has dominated the SAPSASA large schools soccer competition, winning the trophy for the past five years.
School physical education teacher Adrian Gatto said the program was popular.
“We’ve always had a strong soccer culture at the school,” he said.
“Many children play for local clubs such as Campbelltown and Metro Stars.”
“The Simply Football Academy focuses on skill development. Students go to these sessions during class time and, as well as skills and technique, they are taught about healthy eating and being a humble sports person.”
The school also has the expertise of experienced coaches Claudio Catalano (Metro Stars) and Guiseppe Pellegrini (Adelaide Blue Eagles) who are running the academy program and who are both grandparents of students at the school.
