TSP: FOOTBALL

What is the Hunter Sport High School Football Program?

The program has been operating since 1998 and provides a unique opportunity for talented Football players (boys and girls aged 12-18 years of age) within the Hunter and Central Coast Regions to combine effectively academic and sporting excellence. The program includes:

• 2 x 1.5 hours sessions per week for 40 weeks.
• Competitions at both boys & girls Bill Turner (under 15’s) & Errea Cup CHS (15 & over).
• Sport Science Education including nutrition, sports psychology, sports physiology, health & fitness.
• Development of coaching and refereeing qualifications.
• Six-monthly Fitness Assessments at Balance Health Club.

How does the Program work?

• The program works in conjunction with the Newcastle Jets, NNSW Football Federation and New South Wales Institute of Sport Northern Branch Development Programs
• Students involved undergo performance skills training which includes:-
• Fitness
• Basic movement skills
• Individual skill development
• Group/Team skills
• Strategies and tactical play

• All players have the opportunity to gain certificates in coaching and refereeing
• Access to indoor facilities in wet weather
• School gymnasium to help develop strength and conditioning

What has the Football Program achieved?

• Bill Turner Cup Winners 2007 (Boys)
• Bill Turner Trophy Winners 2005, 2006, 2007 (Girls)
• Errea Shield Finalists 2007 - 2008
• 11 Australian Representatives in 2008-2009
• 10 NSWCHS Representatives in 2008-2009
• 25 Hunter Region Representatives in 2007
• 45 Hunter Region Representatives in 2008-2009
• Bill Turner Trophy Finalists 2008
• Errea Cup Trophy Finalist 2008
• 2009 Girls Bill Turner Trophy Team (3 rd Place from 344 teams)
• 2009 Boys Bill Turner Cup Team (Quarter Finalists from 468 teams)
• 2009 Australian Representatives – FFA Selected Squads

• Brandon Lundy – U/13’s
• Mikaela Howell – U/15’s
• Bethany Starkey – U/17’s
• Tara Andrews – U/17’s
• Luke Remington – U/17’s
• Michael Findlayson – U/17’s

How does it link to Association/Community Football?

Hunter Sports High has formal links with the Newcastle Jets, Northern NSW Football Federation and the NSW Institute of Sport Football Programs. Recent students achievements in community and representative programs include: Gema Simon represented the Jets in the W League in 2008. Gema was also selected in the Australian School girls for the 3 rd consecutive year and has just been selected in the Matilda’s Opens Team for 2009. Tara Andrews, Hannah Brewer, Courtney Miller, Rachel Wynne represented Australia in the U/17 Matilda’s campaign to qualify for 2010 World Cup. Jordan Griffith who is currently in year 12, Taylor Regan and Ben McNamara represented the Newcastle Jets in the Youth League competition of the A League in 2008. Jordan Griffiths was also selected in the Australian Schoolboys Team.

Who are the Football Coaches?

• James Pascoe – Newcastle Jets Youth Team Coach

Hunter Area Schoolboys Coach

• David Lowe –Australian Representative, former NSL Player and NSL Youth Team Coach
• Roy Capitao – Goalkeeper coach
• Joanne Peters - Ex Matilda’s player, Newcastle Jets
• Jim Foley – Former NSL Player and Coach, former director of coaching North QLD and NNSW

What does the Program provide?

• Individual skill development
• Team concepts
• Sports Science education
• State and National competitions
• Organisational and time management skills
• Interactive and positive learning environment
• Regular Fitness Assessment – twice a year at Balance Health Club

What do the players say about the Program?

“ Hunter Sports High School provided a great opportunity for me to develop my skills at soccer while continuing to undertake my Higher School Certificate studies. With the support and guidance of my teachers and coaches at Hunter Sports High School, I have been fortunate to gain positions in the Australian school girls’ team and travelled to the United Kingdom, Korea and Japan. I have also gained selection in the Open Matilda’s Squad in 2009. I thoroughly recommend the program, the coaches and the school to all soccer players with ambition, talent and commitment who could benefit from the experience.” Testimonial from Gema Simon (Selection in the 2009 Matilda’s Open Team)

How do I apply?

To be part of this program prospective students need to obtain an application package from our web Page. Students must participate in regular football competitions and undertake a trial, and provide supporting documentation as detailed in the application package. Note that students may be in any year, and acceptance and ongoing placement in the program is based on continued academic effort, acceptable attendance levels and an excellent behaviour record.
Students are supported by a school environment which caters for the academic and welfare needs of the talented athlete, allowing students to gain a quality education whilst still pursuing their sporting dreams.