09 February 2023
In January 2023, the Australian National U16 Schoolboys Football (soccer) team including Year 12 students Oscar Page and Bailey O’Neil travelled to the United Kingdom and Ireland to represent Australia in eight games against numerous National Teams and Professional Academies.
The team competed against U16s England Independent Schools, Welsh Schools, Swansea City, Republic of Ireland National Team, Northern Ireland national team, Celtic FC, Arsenal FC, and the Estudiantes London U18/19 squad. The tour was extremely successful, as the team achieved a record seven out of eight wins, with the only loss being to the Republic of Ireland.
The tour was a great opportunity to experience a highly professional set up, with amazing coaching, management, and support staff, all of which allowed the tour to run smoothly. The team connected well both on and off the pitch, creating a brotherhood with fantastic memories and long-lasting friendships, consequently allowing for lots of wins and excellent passages of play on the field. Furthermore, the opportunity to play with new coaches allowed all the boys to learn a new formation and style of play.
The highlight of the tour included beating Arsenal FC 5-1, as well as Celtic 2-0. Another highlight was watching Manchester City vs Arsenal in the FA cup, as well as touring major stadiums including Chelsea FC and the Principality Stadium.
A special mention to Bailey O’Neil for receiving the coaches award.
Oscar Page (WDK)
Year 12