Harry Kewell kicks goals at Taylors Lakes Secondary College

Taylors Lakes Secondary College students had a ball when legendary Socceroo Harry Kewell helped them in a training session.

Six of the school’s sports captains were given the chance to work with Kewell as part of their studies. Year 12 sports captain Stefania Valerio said she loved the world game. “It’s a huge passion of mine, and to share that passion and have Harry Kewell here is very exciting.”

Soccer is a big part of the school’s culture, with about 130 students enrolled in its academy program.

Student leadership co-ordinator Chris Greechan said the soccer academy ran in place of physical education classes in years 7 to 9.

“Our academy focuses on improving playing abilities and also takes on a coaching flavour towards years 11 and 12,” Mr Greechan said.

Stefania said she enjoyed soccer’s fitness and social benefits. “It’s a team environment and I’ve met heaps of different people from different backgrounds.”

The school is training male and female squads to compete in July’s Kanga Cup competition in Canberra.

It’s the third year the school will have taken part in the competition, which will have 275 teams of 4200 players from Australia and overseas meeting for a week of football, culture, fun and friendship.