Each year St Andrew’s Cathedral School brings together football players from across Sydney’s independent schools to compete in a pre-season tournament. In its latest addition, the tournament has continued to grow.
Earlier this month, St Andrew’s Cathedral School (SACS) hosted the annual SACS Cup boys football tournament, which attracted teams from 15 independent schools, with Knox Grammar, Sydney Grammar and International Grammar School participating for the first time.
“The tournament has been running for more than 20 years and is growing in popularity as a great tournament to kick-start the winter sport season,” said SACS Cup organiser Richard Butler, who is our Football Convenor.
“The SACS Cup is a unique event for senior sides on the Sydney school football calendar, bringing together many schools that would not otherwise meet on the football field. It was nice to have such a strong level of participation after the disruptions of COVID and the recent wet weather,” he said,
The St Andrew’s Cathedral School team was made up of students from Year 11 and 12, with a mix of players taken from our 1sts, 2nds and 16A sides. The boys had some mixed results and finished equal 10th overall.
“I love the tournament. It’s a great way for us to build our team before the season starts and also to see where we sit against other schools,” said Sports Captain and defender Kai Thomas.
“Certainly having our name attached to the tournament gives you a certain pride and a desire to perform well. It’s a hidden secret within the school, not many people know we host this historic football tournament and it’s been going for over twenty years. It’s one of the things I look forward to each year,” he said.
The SACS Cup champions for 2022 were Waverley College who had a tough 3-1 victory over Moriah College in the final. Knox Grammar claimed victory in the Plate (the minor division) following its 1-0 win over Marist North Sydney.
As for St Andrew’s football, Kai has high hopes for the season ahead.
“I think we have a really strong team this year (SACS 1st XI) and I think we can do well. Being able to connect as teammates in the SACS Cup will definitely translate into the season and we’ll be looking to chase the title,” said Kai.
Congratulations go to our Football Convenor Mr Butler for running such a fabulous tournament, along with our students who gave it their all and gained valuable experience.
