Catholic Regional College Sydenham sits on top of the school soccer mountain, after taking out the Premier School’s Cup recently.
The college – which is also the state futsal champion – won a thrilling tournament in Keilor Park against the best six soccer schools in the state on October 12.
The school went through games across the year unbeaten, but needed every bit of resolve to get past Penleigh and Essendon Grammar in the final, according to coach Andrew Mollica.
“We were level with Penleigh and Essendon Grammar after full-time, so we went to extra time and they scored with about two minutes to go. To the boys’ credit they were good enough to get level again and we went on to win 4-3 on penalties,” he said.
“It was five matches across the day, so the boys were spent, but it was a great result.”
The win was made even sweeter by the fact the college had lost on penalties in the final 12 months earlier.
Mr Mollica said the win gave the college’s already strong soccer reputation a huge boost.
“We have two players in this side [Marko Delic and Kristian Bombaci] who already play in Melbourne City’s youth side, and lots of A-League players who have come through our doors,” he said.
“I think a win like this does wonders for parents in the local community to see that there is a good soccer program here.
“The talent at the school is basically on tap, so we are very lucky.”
