By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CLOSE to 400 budding young soccer stars from schools across Casey and Cardinia showed off their silky skills last Thursday.
Eager Grade 5 and 6 children from across 15 schools competed in the Casey Cardinia Inter School Invitational Tournament, the finale of the two week Festival of Football, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Narre Warren in conjunction with the Cardinia United Junior Soccer Club.
The annual festival — also supported by Cardinia Shire and the Melbourne Heart– has been running for four years, and gives youngsters throughout the region the opportunity to trial and appreciate the round ball game, while interacting with their local communities.
Thursday’s competition, held at Lakeside Reserve in Pakenham, consisted of a number of girls, boys and mixed events running from 10am until 2pm.
At the conclusion of the tournament, the Graeme Maggs Award was awarded to Fountain Gate Primary School students Mansor and Kaylah, who both showed outstanding leadership, resilience and selflessness while competing throughout the day.
A passionate sports fan as well as a Rotarian for 33 years, Graeme Maggs passed from cancer in 2010. The Graeme Maggs Award is presented each year to a boy and girl competing in the Inter School competition.
Founder of the Cardinia United Junior Soccer Club and Narre Warren Rotarian Rob Hastings organised the Festival of Football, and said he felt it was fitting that two Fountain Gate Primary School students had won the Graeme Maggs Award – the school Graeme attended.
“I find it amazing given that Graeme was principal of Fountain Gate Primary School,” Mr Hastings said.
“The award is based on certain criteria which includes being a great team player, the ability to overcome adversity, and the ability to motivate others, rather than just rated on playing ability.”
Mr Hastings said the tournament was a terrific end to the two-week festival, which helped promote and change the perception of soccer in the region.
“I was delighted with the response we had from all the schools, with four new schools competing this year,” he said.
“Especially in a year when the World Cup will be held.”
Beehive and Sports Education Development Australia (SEDA) were also keen supporters of the Festival of Football throughout its two-week tenure.
