By Eleanor Wilson
The soccer pitch at Narre Warren South P-12 College was abuzz on Friday 22 July as it hosted annual charity match the Blue Ribbon Cup.
Victoria Police players competed against Melbourne City Football Club development players, two teachers and several students to raise awareness for the Blue Ribbon Foundation, which commemorates Victoria Police members who have died in the line of duty.
The match is typically held at AAMI Park, but this year the grounds of Narre Warren P-12 College were given the hosting honour.
While it was a close match, the Melbourne City side came away with the win 6 – 5, much to the excitement of the hundreds of students that surrounded the college’s soccer oval, jumping and cheering.
There to congratulate the sides were Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, Holt MP Cassandra Fernando, South East Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis and Melbourne City FC chief executive officer Brad Rowse.
College principal Peter Thatcher said the match was a great success, with the warm, spring-like weather an added bonus.
“It’s been a wonderful opportunity to be asked to host the event in 2022 and we’ve certainly put up a good case to the Melbourne City Football Club and Victoria Police to host this fantastic event once again in 2023,” Mr Thatcher said.
Aside from the match, students enjoyed a Victoria Police vehicle display as well as a chance to meet with Melbourne City players and the A-League Trophy.