Manchester City launches soccer school at Rostrevor College in Adelaide

Students at an Adelaide private school now have a pathway to soccer stardom, thanks to a partnership with one of the world’s richest and most successful soccer clubs.

Soccer-mad students at a prestigious Adelaide school will improve their skills through a new partnership with one of the world’s biggest clubs.

On Thursday the Manchester City Football School was launched at Rostrevor College, with the sports training institute expanding on the school’s existing soccer program.

The launch of the Manchester City Football School will coincide with Rostrevor’s 100th anniversary next year. It will begin with a curriculum offering for Year 7 students and will include after-school and holiday clinics for the wider community.

Former Socceroo, Adelaide United player and Rostrevor soccer co-ordinator Daniel Mullen said the partnership with Manchester City, which has won six of the past 11 English Premier League titles, was a chance to develop students on and off the pitch.

Henry Askem, Rostrevor soccer co-ordinator Daniel Mullen, Christian Tassotti and Ryder Dalton are excited at their new opportunity to excel. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“If I was a student, looking back now, I’d be really excited to be a part of something like this,” Mr Mullen said.

“Man City’s got global reach and as a school it gives us a great opportunity to develop our students not just as footballers but as global citizens. To be able to represent the college but also a bigger organisation now as well is extremely exciting.”

Year 6 student Ryder Dalton said it was exciting knowing the school was connected to one of the world’s biggest clubs, who his favourite player Phil Foden lines up for.

“(I’m looking forward to) just getting opportunities overseas, to see what happens and testing myself,” he said.

Manchester City celebrates last season’s English Premier League title win. Picture: Oli Scarff/AFP

Rostrevor students Henry Askem, 11, Christian Tassotti, 14, Ryder Dalton, 11, with former Socceroo Daniel Mullen. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

He said he plays soccer every day between school and club duties.

Soccer was added to Rostrevor’s curriculum for the first time this year.

“They not only get to enhance their skills on the pitch tactically and technically, but also learn about what it takes to be an elite footballer,” Mr Mullen said.

“For me the most important thing is resilience, mindset and dealing with setbacks.”

Manchester City spokesperson Jorgina Busquets said the program would “deliver a world-class football education that is tailored specifically for students and designed to promote their personal development”.

Originally published as Manchester City launches soccer school at Rostrevor College in Adelaide