This is the first year the college has formed an official soccer program and the result has been more than wins on the board. Players have a stronger sense of school pride.

Junior girls soccer captain Jane Pert said it was all about being given a chance.

“This is a different opportunity and different sport we can all try,” Pert said.

 “Teachers have helped a lot and put a lot of work in. A lot of girls hadn’t ever played soccer before.”

More than Matildas or Socceroos’ success, student body interest was generated from the school's on-field success. The college’s senior boys team won last year’s Unity Shield invitational tournament at Federation University, taking on adult rivals.

Senior boys’ soccer captain Ibrahim Ghulami said they started training again this year and more and more students joined in.

“A lot of the boys were very excited about our achievement...because so many boys love the game they wanted to join us,” Ghulami said.

The College has fielded soccer teams in past School Sport Victoria competition, often pieced together at the last minute, and these teams were often soundly beaten amid a kick and a laugh.

This year, the college has invested time in training and matches in Ballarat Associated Schools divisions. The aim was to be competitive, maybe even finish mid-table. But teams have exceeded all expectations. Improve self-esteem has been a fantastic by-product.

Mount Clear’s senior boys have reached the SSV state finals in Melbourne on September 1. They defeated Portland (1-0) and St Brigid’s Horsham (4-0) for the SSV Greater Western Region title at the term’s end. This was after winning the college’s first SSV Eureka Division soccer pennant.

Junior girls finished its BAS season undefeated with seven wins – including a 4-1 final round win against Loreto – a draw and points from a forfeit. Junior boys were runner-up to a rampant Ballarat Clarendon College Black.

Senior Girls were unable to loosen Ballarat High’s stranglehold on SSV but will continue their BAS season with the senior boys when school resumes.

Mount Clear College sports director Cameron Dole’s philosophy for success is simple.

“We’re just making sure the kids are happy and enjoying what they’re doing – it’s not rocket science,” Dole said. “The relationship between students, who may not otherwise mix together, has been great. You’ve got year sevens sitting with year nine and 10s...it’s someone else to talk to in the yard.”