2002 UK FOOTBALL TRIP
Tour Report
On December 19, the St Aloysius Football Tour party returned to Sydney, weary but in high spirits, after a highly successful tour of the UK. Two teams played nine fixtures in total, many against fellow Jesuit Colleges in England and Scotland. By all accounts the tour was most rewarding. Experiences gained on and off the pitch will reap results in the forthcoming season and beyond. The boys have come back not only better players but more mature and resilient individuals.
Tour highlights include attending three Premier League games, a tour of Celtic Park and a visit to Old Trafford. The boys benefited from a private coaching session by a former Premier League youth coach and a skills demonstration by a Premier league aspirant. Our Jesuit hosts were most hospitable, with Mount St Mary’s (Sheffield), Stonyhurst (Lancashire), St Aloysius’ (Glasgow) and Wimbledon (London) key stops on our journey. A final highlight was the tour of Australia House, graciously hosted by Old Aloysian, Michael L’ Estrange, (Australian High Commissioner.)
The tour ended in London with sight seeing and shopping. The First XI were undefeated in England, succumbing only to their Scottish namesakes. The Second XI gained much valuable experience that will bolster their strength in season 2003.
Much credit must go to Mrs Caroline Linschoten (MIC of Football) who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Among many other responsibilities, it was Mrs Linschoten who organised much of the Jesuit itinerary. Gratitude to Fr. Smith and Mr. Paul Rowland for their ongoing support of Aloysian football.
It would be remiss of me not to thank three more groups of people. Firstly the parents who worked assiduously to raise funds, organise our fantastic tour gear and support their sons (financially and otherwise!). To Eduardo Moerbeck (Super coach) who trained the boys in the weeks leading up to the tour (at times in 30+ degree heat) and led the teams on the pitch to such success. Thanks also to Co-manager Nicholas Thill who gave strong direction to the boys off the pitch, running around often behind the scenes to ensure that accommodation, meals and allowances were all in order. The efforts of these two gentlemen contributed greatly to the tour’s success.
Lastly to the boys themselves, who were excellent ambassadors of the College. The players were ably led by Tour Captain, Chris Chase and on field Captains, Luke Marshall and Ashley Fontana. The boys were highly regarded by their hosts and opposition alike. I was impressed by both their sportsmanship and deportment.
It was an honour and a privilege to play a part in the 2002 UK Football tour. I hope that the opportunity of a lifetime bears fruit both on the pitch and in the lives of each of the boys.
Yours in Football,
Antony Sindone
Manager
