SA U15 girls football champions gunning for success in 2024 SA School Sports Awards
SA’s history-making U15 School Sport Australia football champions are among the big nominees as the 2024 SA School Sports Awards kick-off. See how to enter.
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SA’s history-making U15 girls School Sport Australia football champions could be set for more success in 2024 after being nominated for the Advertiser, Sunday Mail and Department for Education School Sports Awards.
Made up of students from across the state and coached by Jordan Tronnolone, the side became the first SA girls team to win the School Sport Australia football championships when it defeated NSW in August.
They have been nominated in the teams category of this year’s awards as a result of their success.
Tronnolone said being recognised in the School Sports Awards was the icing on the cake for the group.
“There was a major feeling of pride and accomplishment for the team and all the coaches when we won,” he said.
“It’s a big achievement to win that particular competition for the first time.
“You play for the enjoyment of the sport, but for the girls to get some more recognition through the School Sports Awards is well-deserved and it emphasises to them that what they have achieved really means something.”
The team faced one of its biggest challenges in the opening round of the championships but passed in flying colours, topping a tough Queensland side convincingly to set the pace for the rest of the tournament.
Henley High School midfielder Maia Freemantle, Norwood International High School ruck Lara Gribben and Trinity College forward Izabella Nisbet were all standouts throughout the tournament, but coach Tronnolone said there were no bystanders as SA stormed past its competition.
“We were fantastic as a team and we had a very special group both on and off the field,” he said.
“We knew we had a good side before we played but to play that well against a strong Queensland side was the confidence boost we needed to go all the way.
“Everyone stayed humble and sacrificed to play their roll throughout the championships and the bond just grew tighter and tighter.
“The fact they’ve done something historic is fantastic and they deserve to celebrate it.”
The School Sports Awards are the joint initiative of The Advertiser, Sunday Mail and Department for Education.
There are three major awards in 2024 – individual competitors, individual student officials, and teams, with female and male and primary and secondary categories all included.
Enrolled primary or secondary students between the ages of 10-18 are eligible.
Nominate by Sunday, November 3 at this link.
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