Chancellor State College football, futsal academy stars
The Sunshine Coast continues to produce and develop sporting prodigies with immeasurable talent and gutsy determination, with a raft of senior and junior students revealed as the region’s best. See everyone who made the cut.
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A rising high school football academy is helping develop and boost the next generation of Sunshine Coast stars.
Chancellor State College football/futsal program has served as an opportunity for players to further develop their football and futsal skills while working through theory elements of skill acquisition and game training based on the Australian curriculum.
With more than 125 senior and junior students involved, program co-ordinator Jeremy Stewart said its successes continued to grow.
“I started at Chancellor in 2018 and I’ve been the co-ordinator for the last three years, so we are always looking at ways to develop and build the program,” he said.
“Our vision is to provide school students with an elite learning pathway and development through football, which supports students both in their academic and athletic goals.”
Chancellor and Kawana Waters State College are the only two Sunshine Coast schools to compete in the Schools Premier League competition.
Chancellor finished second behind Kelvin Grove on the overall ladder in 2022, with the Senior girls’ team progressing to the final on Tuesday, November 1.
“The partnership with Brisbane Roar allows us to enhance our football program and deliver a football pathway while developing our students holistically to ensure they have a Plan B throughout their school life,” he said.
“With the female game gaining momentum and rapid growth expected ahead of the women’s world cup in 2023, we look to build inclusion and equality for our girls through girls only sessions and more competitions throughout the year.”
A total of 25 Chancellor students made the Sunshine Coast regional team (football and futsal) in 2022, with a further seven selected in Queensland Squads.
Chancellor is also home to an elite touch football academy, the only one of its kind on the Sunshine Coast and just one of 12 across Australia.
In no particular order, here are the students to keep an eye on and their 2022 football achievements.
Next Generation stars
Maxx Demerutis
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U19 player, senior boys SPL player, Sunshine Coast Wave Youth/Men’s player and SC Fire U18 player.
“Maxx’s aggression and tenacity makes it tough for any opponent,” Stewart said.
“He’s a midfielder that is extremely comfortable on the ball and loves to get forward to score goals.
“Maxx has been a member of the Senior boys SPL side since 2020 and a Football Academy member since 2017.”
Macey Edward
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U19 player, Queensland Schools U19 shadow player, senior girls SPL player/captain, Sunshine Coast Wave women’s player and SC Wanderers women’s player.
“Macey is an elite player with an exceptional dribbling and passing range,” Stewart said.
“She is a key midfielder who loves to dribble and go past defenders.
“Very creative and will cause problems in the final third for any opposition.”
Harper Caples
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U12 player/champion, junior boys SPL player, Sunshine Coast Wave U12 player and Caloundra U12 SAP player.
“Harper works hard on all aspects of his game, and his is a name we expect to hear more of in the future,” Stewart said.
“A student that starred in our junior boys’ side in 2022.
“Harper is very coachable and is always looking to improve his game.
“He has the ability to glide past defenders and play a number of different positions.”
Bronte Pennells
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U12 player, junior girls SPL player and Caloundra U12 SAP player.
“A talented athlete across a number of sports, including football, touch, Aussie rules and gymnastics,” Stewart said.
“She has the rare ability to be good at all sports that she turns her attention to.
“Bronte has great feet and is a threat for any defence.
“A player to watch and we look forward to seeing Bronte’s progression.”
Sophie Holbeck
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U15 player, Sunshine Coast U14 futsal player, junior girls SPL player and QAS U13 player.
“Sophie has had a huge year making a number of Sunshine Coast teams in 2022,” Stewart said.
“Sophie is extremely calm and composed when in possession.
“Sophie will be a key player for Chancellor and a player we will look to lead our junior girls next year.”
Harry White
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U16 player, intermediate boys SPL player, Sunshine Coast Wave U15 player and SC Fire U15 player.
“Harry is a very strong defender with great physical presence,” Stewart said.
“He stands out as a player who is happy to perform his role for the team but is able to be a dominant force when required.
“Harry is new to Chancellor in 2022 and will relish the transition into senior football.”
Marley Liau
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U16 player, senior boys SPL player, Sunshine Coast Wave U16 player and SC Fire U16 player.
“Marley is a versatile player that can play anywhere on the park,” Stewart said.
“He is a reliable, hardworking player who is one of the first players picked in teams.
“Extremely coachable and will move into a leadership role within the Chancellor program.”
Oliver Demerutis
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U16 player, Intermediate boys SPL player, Sunshine Coast Wave U16 player and SC Fire U16 player.
“Ollie is a very consistent and reliable left back,” Stewart said.
“He is an attacking left back that has great delivery from wide areas.
“We are expecting to see Ollie continue to create a pathway for himself as he continues through his high schooling journey.”
Matthew Bensaci
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U16 player, Queensland Schools U16 shadow player, senior boys SPL player and Moreton Bay U16 player.
“Matt has been blessed with raw talent from a very young age that has only improved with age and maturity,” Stewart said.
“Matt is a player you want in midfield that has the ability to start an attack, with a high level of distribution.”
Oscar McComisky
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U16 player and senior boys SPL player.
“Oscar has been blessed with raw talent from a very young age,” Stewart said.
“A player that can come on and change the game with his silky skills and ability to ease past defenders.
“Oscar has been a part of the Chancellor Football Academy since 2018.”
Riley McPhail
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U16 player, intermediate boys SPL player, Sunshine Coast Wave U15 player and SC Fire U15 player.
“Riley is a lead-by-example type of player, a tough competitor who always gives 100 per cent,” Stewart said.
“He has great pace, stamina and the ability to strike the ball off both feet.
“Riley knows how to find the back of the net and is a key player in our intermediate boys’ side.”
Jett Harper
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U16 player, senior boys SPL player and SC Wanderers U16 player.
“Jett is always a ball of energy and has matured into the senior goalkeeper role this year,” Stewart said.
“Heading into his senior year, Jett will play an integral role in the CSC Senior SPL side and someone that can help guide and develop our junior goalkeepers.”
Dakota Hawkins
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U19 player, senior girls SPL player and SC Wanderers U16 player.
“Dakota has worked hard on her game and has become a dangerous player for any defence when given time and space in the final third,” Stewart said.
“Dakota is a disciplined and committed athlete who sets high standards for herself.
“She has the ability to strike off both feet and contribute with goals.”
Emily Ferroussat
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U19 player/captain, Queensland Schools U19 shadow player, senior girls SPL player/captain, Queensland U16 player/captain, U16 national champion, Sunshine Coast Wave U16 player and QAS U16 player.
“Emily is an elite player who has been a member of the Chancellor Football Academy for the past five years,” Stewart said.
“She has received the ultimate recognition this year, captaining and winning the National Youth Championships with the Queensland U16 team.
“Emily is a great leader and a great role model for our younger students.”
Susanna Peck
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U19 player, senior girls SPL player and SC Wanderers U16 player.
“Susanna has worked hard on her goalkeeping this year,” Stewart said.
“She sets high standards for her teammates and will look to transition into senior club football next year.
“Her communication and shot stopping have been an asset for our senior girls side in 2022.”
Lucas Farrugia
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U19 player, senior boys SPL player and SC Wanderers U18 player.
“Lucas is a defender that everyone wants on their team,” Stewart said.
“He will be a key player in 2023 as we look to him to mentor and guide our younger students.
“Tough in a tackle and good to have in the locker room.”
Baiden Lamb
2022 Achievements: Queensland U15 player, U15 National runner-up, intermediate boys SPL player and Brisbane Roar U15 player.
“Baiden has had an impressive 2022 with the Brisbane Roar,” Stewart said.
“Baiden recently competed at the National Youth Championships for Queensland, finishing runners-up on the national stage.
“Baiden will move up to our senior boys side and it’s safe to say they will be in good hands.”
Miles De Luca
2022 Achievements: Intermediate boys SPL player, selected for Brisbane Roar U15 and SC Wanderers U14 player.
“Miles is a defender’s nightmare,” Stewart said.
“I haven’t come across a player that has the ability to glide past his defenders with such ease.
“Miles was recently selected in the Brisbane Roar U15 side, but unfortunately the academy has since folded.
“We will be looking at Miles to continue to develop and lead our intermediate boys attack in 2023.”
Jessica Stafford
2022 Achievements: Junior Girls SPL player, Sunshine Coast Wave U13 player and SC Wanderers U14 player.
“Jess is a reliable and consistent defender,” Stewart said.
“She is always one step ahead of the play and anticipates situations before they eventuate.
“Jess is a quiet achiever with a positive attitude, consistently working hard to improve with every touch of the ball.
Lexi Cooper
2022 Achievements: Junior Girls SPL player and SC Wanderers U14 player.
“Lexi is a persistent defender that never gives up,” Stewart said.
“She has the ability to pop up at either end of the pitch with goal line clearances, or finding space at the back post to finish off an attack.
“Lexi will be a key player in our junior girls’ side in 2023.”
Mia Cooper
2022 Achievements: Junior Girls SPL captain and SC Wanderers U14 captain.
“Mia leads by example and is always looking to improve,” Stewart said.
“She was a key player in our junior girls side in 2022, and will easily transition into our senior girls side in 2023.
“Mia is a fierce competitor who will put her body on the line with her team first mentality.”
Reaghan Hoffmann
2022 Achievements: Junior Girls SPL player, Community Cup U14 girls player/champion and Buderim Wanderers U14 player.
“Reaghan is a talented athlete across a number of sports, including both football and touch,” Stewart said.
“Reaghan’s strength and speed makes it tough for any defender. This was on show at the Community Cup, where the U14 girls finished as champions.”
Ruby Fletcher
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U19 player, senior girls SPL player and SC Wanderers U23 player.
“A no-nonsense defender that sets high standards for her teammates,” Stewart said.
“A dominant force at the back that will be a key player for our senior girls side in 2023.
“Ruby has been a part of the Academy since 2019.”
Bella McIntyre
2022 Achievements: Junior Girls SPL player, Community Cup U14 girls player/champion, Sunshine Coast Wave U13 player and Maroochydore Swans U14 player.
“Bella is a calm and composed defender,” Stewart said.
“Bella can play off both feet and an attacker’s nightmare.
“She has been a key player at the back for our junior girls and we look forward to seeing her progression.
“Bella was also a part of the U14 Sunshine Coast Community Cup winning team.”
Indiana Routledge
2022 Achievements: Junior Girls SPL player, Community Cup U14 girls player/champion and Buderim Wanderers U14 player.
“Indiana has made huge improvements in 2022 and we will look to Indi to guide and lead our junior girls in 2023,” Stewart said.
“She is a great athlete that allows her to cover huge distances and play a lot of minutes in the centre of the park.”
“Indiana was also a part of the U14 Sunshine Coast Community Cup winning team.”
Alexa Holroyd
2022 Achievements: Junior Girls SPL player and Caloundra U12 SAP.
“Alexa is a goalkeeper that shows confidence and ability beyond her years,” Stewart said.
“Her distribution and ability to guide her defenders sets her apart.
“With a young junior girls side in 2022, Alexa gave our defenders confidence and kept us in a number of games.
“Alexa is a name we expect to hear in both state and national teams in the future.”
Tahlia Kelly
2022 Achievements: Junior girls SPL player and Caloundra U12 SAP.
“Tahlia is a calm and composed defender,” Stewart said.
“She’s a quiet achiever that goes about her business with no fuss.
“Not only is Tahlia extremely coachable, she’s a great athlete which allows her to cover and clean up any dangerous attacks.
“I look forward to seeing Tahlia’s progression.”
Victoria Holowko
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U19 player, senior girls SPL player and SC Wanderers U23 player.
“Vikki is a reliable, consistent, hardworking defender that is one of the first players picked in teams,” Stewart said.
“Her ability to read the play and anticipate what the opposition team are doing means she is able to stay a step ahead of her opponents and diffuse potential scoring opportunities.
“Her leadership will be missed in 2023.”
Luke Becker
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U16 player, Intermediate boys SPL player, Queensland U15 player and Moreton Bay U15 player.
“Luke is always calm and composed when on the ball,” Stewart said.
“He is the type of player you want to build your defensive structure around.
“Luke reads the game extremely well which makes him invaluable to the teams of which he is a member of.”
Eleanor Dean
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U19 player, senior girls SPL player and SC Wanderers U23 player.
“Eleanor has earned the reputation amongst her teammates as a reliable and disciplined teammate,” Stewart said.
“As one of the fittest players going around, Eleonor will run up and down the touchline all day.
“Her ability to read the game allows her to gain an advantage in both defence and attack.”
Mahlon Barlow
2022 Achievements: Sunshine Coast Schools U19 player, Queensland Schools U19 Shadow player, senior boys SPL player and SC Wanderers U23 player.
“Mahlon is a quiet achiever, always trying to improve and better his game,” Stewart said.
“Testament to his hard work, is his recognition in the U23 Sunshine Coast Wanderers side in 2022.
“Mahlon loves to get forward and is extremely good in the transitional moments of the game.”
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