soccer | Sydney Catholic Schools

From schoolyard to the world stage: SCS students don the green and gold

Three Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) students have proudly represented Australia on the international stage as members of the Subway Joeys U16 national football team.

Corey Da Cruz (De La Salle College Revesby Heights), Georgio Hassarati (Marist College Eastwood) and Aston Reid (St Patrick’s College Sutherland) earned selection for the Joeys squad, competing at the Chinese Football Association (CFA) U16 International Tournament in Hohhot, China, from 28 May to 2 June 2025.

Australia finished runners-up to the host nation, with the tournament featuring elite youth teams from China, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. After opening the competition with a 2–1 win against both Vietnam and Saudi Arabia, the Subway Joeys were defeated 5–2 by China in a high-intensity final fixture in front of 17,000 fans.

From lunchtime games to international pitches

For Corey Da Cruz, the moment he found out he’d been selected was one of excitement, disbelief, and a quick phone call home.

“I was very happy, excited and extremely grateful. I always hoped to represent my country and to perform on the big stage,” he said.

Corey’s highlight? Scoring for his country. “I always dreamed of it. As soon as I came off the pitch I called my parents. I couldn’t wait to tell them.”

Georgio Hassarati said his school community played a key role in helping him grow in confidence and develop a high-performance mindset.

“My school has given me countless opportunities to prepare me for endeavours like this – both in terms of skill and mindset,” he said.

“Leadership roles and team-based environments help build confidence and composure. I’ve been encouraged to set goals, stay disciplined and develop habits that support growth – all …

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auJune 12, 2025|

Kicking goals at MacKillop Championships

The pathway to sporting success continues for nine Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) soccer athletes, who have gained selection to the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association Carnival (PSSA).

Sydney Catholic Schools was represented by 24 primary schoolers at the MacKillop Soccer Championships in Goulburn on Friday 23 April.

The footballers competed against students from the diocese of Wagga Wagga, Canberra/Goulburn, Parramatta and Wollongong for positions on the MacKillop Squads.

The SCS girls were especially impressive. Nearly half their team gained selection to the NSW PSSA Carnival in Rooty Hill on 16-18 June 2021.

Sydney team manager, Michael Aresti, was beyond impressed with the girls’ “very high quality of football.”

Girls Sydney Archdiocesan Team

“The whole team could’ve been selected; they are very talented and skilled,” said Aresti.

Ruby Betro, from St Kevin’s Catholic Primary School Eastwood, was among those who made the cut. She played in central midfield for the Sydney team.

“Today went really well,” said Ruby. “Our team was amazing. Despite some of the girls not getting in, they were all really good.”

Nick Papas, teacher at SCS school Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Cabramatta and a selector for the boys’ MacKillop representative team, was impressed by the skill level.

“It was a good tournament with a lot of quality footballers here,” said Papas.

“It takes a variety of attributes to be selected including communication, ability to work with team members, what they do on and off the ball, and their hunger.”

Jameison Leigh, from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Como-Oyster Bay, was another of the talented footballers selected to represent MacKillop …

AdminApril 26, 2021|

VIDEO: The goal is excellence

The heavens threatened to open up all day at Marco Reserve, Panania, as our primary schoolers battled it out for a place in the Sydney Archdiocesan Soccer team that will attend the MacKillop trials.

More than 60 boys and just over 50 girls from six zones across the Sydney Archdiocese vied fiercely on Tuesday 16 March for only 12 spots in each of the two teams.

There were some fine skills on offer, amazing goals and sensational saves, making it extremely difficult for selectors to pick the standout performers.

“The high calibre of skills on offer made it tough to pick a team and the quality of players keeps getting better every year,” selector Anna-Kate Turnbull said.

Rene Vella, Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Pre to Post Sport, was grateful the rain stayed away for the greater part of the day, arriving only during the final game despite the ominous storm clouds.

“We had very competent staff on the day and the weather held off which was great,” Vella said.

“Parents and students were cooperative and took everything on they received from the briefing which all culminated in a very smooth day.”

Soccer is Sydney Catholic Schools’ biggest team sport and a major event for the diocese.

“It’s the largest event we run outside of swimming, cross country and athletics, and a sport that is consistently growing in popularity” – Rene Vella

One of the standout boys of the trial, Isaac Andrews, is looking forward to the next step in his soccer pathway.

“I’m really excited for the MacKillop trials and hopefully I can get selected (to progress),” said the silky midfielder.

The chosen few will now move onto the MacKillop Trials in Goulburn on Friday 23 April.

Sydney Archdiocesan Boys Team:

Holy Spirit Carnes Hill – Harper Surjan
John the Baptist Bonnyrigg Heights – Pietro Sanfilipo
Our Lady of the …

Isabell PetrinicMarch 17, 2021|

From schoolyard to the world stage: SCS students don the green and gold

Kicking goals at MacKillop Championships

VIDEO: The goal is excellence

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