Matraville Sports High now an official Sydney FC school

The dream of being trained by the country’s most successful football club is becoming a reality for aspiring football stars in Matraville.

Sydney FC’s Ally Green trains with Matraville Sports High School student Taigo Mendes. Picture: Monique Harmer

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The dream of being trained by the country’s most successful football club is becoming a reality for aspiring soccer stars in Matraville.

Students at Matraville Sports High School will have access to specialised training from the Sky Blues, as Sydney FC opens its first sports academy in Sydney’s east.

The school and the club announced the deal on Friday, making it just the sixth Sydney FC academy school.

(Front) Matraville Sports High School principal Nerida Walker and Sydney FC CEO Danny Townsend. (Back) Matraville Sports High deputy principal Jane Stanley, Sydney FC technical director Kelly Cross and Sydney FC W-League player Ally Green with the W-League Championship Trophy and A-League Premiers Plate and Matraville Sports High soccer players. Picture: Monique Harmer

The others are Endeavour Sports High School, Narabeeen Sports High School, Illawarra Sports High School, Bossley Park High School and Crestwood High School.

Sydney FC W-League player Ally Green said the program offered students “an opportunity that they aren’t otherwise given”.

Sydney FC CEO Danny Townsend said the program would be integrated into school time.

“I think having a healthy balance between sports and education is really important for the youngsters of today … we can play our part in helping provide that,” Townsend said.

W-League player Ally Green with Matraville Sports High School’s Samuel Taylor. Picture: Monique Harmer

Eric Kidson, 14, in the middle of training with W-League player Ally Green. Picture: Monique Harmer

Sydney FC academy coaches will train students up to three times a week, creating a pathway to elite-level football. The proof is that 30 students from the five other academy schools are already playing for the club.

Sydney FC technical director of youth Kelly Cross said “A-League clubs need to do more for football”.

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“We believe that’s part of our role, to help as many players as possible,” Cross said.

Matraville Sports High School director of sport Andrew Bobadilla said he hoped the program would increase female participation in the game.

Sydney FC W-League player Ally Green with Matraville Sports High School students Ruby and Frankie Scott and the school’s director of sport Andrew Bobadilla. Picture: Monique Harmer

“We have a goal to boost women enrolments with football … With Sydney FC on board we’re hoping that will come to fruition,” Bobadilla said.

Matraville Sports High School will host an open day on March 14.