The Magazine of St Aloysius' College • 'Men for Others' • Issue XLVII ...

senior school sport (cont'd)
Southwell House (the Jesuit Retreat Centre in London), the
squad travelled south west to Cobham, home of Chelsea’s
training facility and academy. A glimpse of the Chelsea
squad at work only inspired the boys further as they
engaged in a double training session. The following day
the boys put in a spirited performance against St Ignatius’
College, Enfield; our brother Jesuit school in London was
appreciative of the exchange. Presentations and a light
meal ensued after the game, cementing the friendships that
had begun on the field. Our time in London concluded
with a Championship fixture: Crystal Palace v Queens Park
Rangers and a tour of Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s Home
ground.
Socceroo Captian Lucas Neill with the touring squad.
After four days in London, the group moved north to
Liverpool. Two days training at the Liverpool Football
Academy and two Premier League fixtures (Everton v
Fulham and Blackburn v West Ham) were among the
highlights of our time in ‘the North’. For many ,however,
the standout experience was meeting three ‘Socceroo
heroes’. After each of the games, the group had the
opportunity to meet Tim Cahill (Everton), Lucas Neil
(West Ham) and Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers). Each
happily posed for photographs and signed autographs.
Tim Cahill even invited the squad back to the Everton
training facility; an invitation we were happy to accept.
Inspired by the meeting, the boys competed well against
All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool. A trip to the Beatles
museum, a ferry ride across the Mersey and a tour of
Liverpool’s home ground, Anfield, were among the sight
seeing highlights. On Sunday, the group attended Mass
at Liverpool’s famous Metropolitan Cathedral. Bishop
Tom Williams warmly welcomed the Touring Party at
the commencement of the liturgy and introduced us to
Archbishop Kelly at its conclusion.
The third leg of our tour took us over the border to
Scotland. Our namesakes, St Aloysius’ College, Glasgow
were to prove generous hosts. It was the beginning of
billeting and the boys appreciated their ‘home away from
home’. As fortune would have it, the Year 9s were able
to participate in a school dance that was being held
that evening. Some of the seniors were taken to watch
Celtic FC play Falkirk. A tour of Celtic Park took place
the following day. Two robust games against Glasgow,
followed thereafter.
The final part of our journey took place in Italy. Jesuit
schools in Turin and Milan were our hosts. Language proved
no barrier as the boys settled in with their new host families.
Each of these famous cities had a unique character and
culture. The architecture was particularly striking. The boys
had the opportunity to see Da Vinci’s Last Supper as well
as Milan’s famous Duomo. In Turin, the Mole (Tower) of
Antoneliana provided unparalleled views of the city. The
group enjoyed watching Torino take on Roma, while AC
Milan played Catania at the legendary San Siro Stadium.
Games played against each of the schools were also
exciting affairs. The final days of the Tour were spent at Lake
Como and Lugano (Switzerland).
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the College
administration, especially Director of Co-curricula, Mr
Paul Rowland, for his support. The parent body was
also tremendously supportive. Thanks must go to Messrs
Aboud, Coolentianos and Pasfield (who comprised the Tour
Committee) for their generous contribution. Special thanks
to College Staff, Steve Zolezzi, David Heath and First XI
Coach Nass Martino for their preparation in advance of,
and hard work whilst on tour.
Lastly to the boys themselves, who were excellent
ambassadors for the College, both on and off the field. The
contributions of tour leaders Adam Pasfield, James Flint and
Nicholas Aboud were particularly noteworthy.
Overall, the tour was a fantastic experience that not only
helped the squad develop their playing potential, but also
provided a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange. The
strengthening of ties with our fellow Jesuit schools and the
bonding that took place within the squad will no doubt bear
fruit in the seasons to come.
Mr Antony Sindone
MIC Football
Swimming Report
The St Aloysius’ College Swimming Team has had a
most successful season. Congratulations to the Head
of the Harbour Champions Matthew Jepson (Year 8),
Benjamin Klarich (Year 11), Elliot Long (Year 9) and Marcus
Anderson (Year 9). These boys each completed a two
kilometre Harbour swim from the steps of the Opera House
over to the Royal Botanic Gardens and back to the Opera
House. The St Aloysius’ College team was placed first in the
School Team Category and placed first overall as they were
the fastest team to compete on the day. An outstanding
achievement for these young men. The boys have the
official title of Head of the Harbour until next years meet.
The swim teams excellent performance at the CAS
St Aloysius’ College
A Jesuit School for Boys _ Founded 1879
aloysiad / page 30