Kurunjang Secondary College and Brimbank Stallions soccer club are getting behind one of their own as he takes on the world’s best at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Students have turned a classroom at Kurunjang Secondary into a soccer cinema hub for the month-long World Cup as they watch former student Mathew Leckie and the Socceroos in action.
Leckie, who will join German side FC Ingolstadt next month, grew up in Melton and attended the school until 2008. He was one of Australia’s best players in the Socceroos’ opening two games of the tournament.
The school’s head of humanities, David Gorton, said they were using the World Cup to teach the students not only about soccer but the world.
“With Mathew playing on a global stage it’s a great opportunity to inspire our students to perform on a world stage in addition to improving their geo-spacial skills. The World Cup is a global phenomenon, not just a soccer tournament.
“During the school’s health and physical education week students have been encouraged to take part in new sports and activities, and they’re hosting a World Cup cinema club.”
School staff member Gayle Hocking remembers Leckie for his athletic ability.
“He always had good speed over 100 metres and was an interschool representative in football, soccer and athletics. He’s an example that you don’t have to be an outstanding junior … more that hard work and dedication will often get you where you want to go.”
Kurunjang students aren’t the only ones watching Leckie with a special attachment. More than 100 people watched the Socceroos first match from his junior soccer club, Brimbank Stallions.
Club president Sam Raniolo recalls the 23-year-old almost giving the game away at one point. “He was at the club for six or seven years and played all his junior football here,” he said. “He was very good and athletic.
“At one stage he was going to stop playing and focus on athletics, but he stayed to play with his friends. You could see the talent he had then.”
Fellow World Cup member Ivan Franjic played for St Albans Saints and Melbourne Knights. Franjic hurt his hamstring in the opening game and was ruled out for the rest of the tournament.
