Manu Lewis is a passionate footballer and goalkeeper in the Senior School at Matthew Flinders Anglican College and part of our Flinders Elite Athlete Program.
In this profile, Manu shares how he manages his study schedule alongside his many football commitments as he chases his goals. Recent achievements include qualifying for the National Youth Championships in NSW along with Mitchell Bright, also at Flinders in Year 10.
Looking beyond Year 12 graduation, Manu is exploring the opportunity to study in America and play college football.
Thanks for sharing your journey in this FEAP profile, Manu!
Manu, please tell us about some of your sporting achievements.
Playing football for Queensland, I recently completed the National Youth Championships in Wollongong, making it to the quarter finals. The National Youth Championships allowed me to compete against some of the most talented football players from across the country, building great memories and forming new friendships with players from all around Australia.
I also play for the Sunshine Coast Wanderers U16, an age group up, who recently finished 5th in the 2024 FQA2 league, and the Flinders 1st XI.
What are your sporting goals for 2024 and beyond?
In the next few years my goal is to be playing and training with the Joey‘s (U17 national team) and continuing to work with some amazing coaches, such as John Gorza and his team. I also hope to pursue potential opportunities within Australia and overseas. Currently, I am exploring the potential of playing college football in the States as I know many others who have played in the college system as well as the USA’s current investment in the sport leading into the upcoming 2026 World Cup in America.
I am focused on improving and honing my skills and preparing for the upcoming season with the Sunshine Coast Wanderers U18 team. I aim to be selected for the 2025 National Youth Championships and perform well at the competition to be recognised for the U17 national team.
What are your academic goals at Flinders?
I aim to achieve sound grades throughout all my studies leading up to Year 11 for 2025. For Years 11 and 12, I intend to study a variety of subjects, leading into something around the Humanities, such as Geography, that I could potentially study in the USA.
What support are you enjoying through FEAP?
FEAP Director, Ms Nourse’s weekly check-ins are a great help as they give me an opportunity to share my successes and struggles, across my sport and study. FEAP has also helped me connect with fellow athletes throughout the College and learn through invaluable presentations by guest speakers from around the country.
What new skills and strategies are you learning?
Through the many FEAP workshops, I have learned that it's important to set attainable goals that will challenge and motivate me, both on and off the field, and the importance of mindset within competitive sporting environments. A personal favourite was learning to have small triggers to mentally switch on and get in the correct headspace for my game, such as putting one boot on before another.
Do you have a favourite FEAP workshop so far?
I enjoyed the workshop with Olympian Bo Hanson, which focused on being athlete-tough and building mental toughness.
How else does the FEAP support you?
FEAP has allowed me to manage my academic, social and sporting commitments, giving me structure and a supportive environment where I can voice any problems I may be having and share successes. I believe FEAP is yet another way Flinders sets itself apart from any other school on the Sunshine Coast, providing me with the guidance and support I need to achieve my goals.
Please tell us about your sporting role model.
My sporting role model would have to be Mitchell Langerak, who was born in Emerald in 1988 before moving to Bundaberg in 2000 at 13, where he would later join John Gorza’s academy. Mitch has since played across Europe, Australia and Japan, representing the national team internationally and at the 2014 World Cup. Coming from regional Australia, Mitch’s journey has taught me to believe in my pathway and not worry about where others are playing (cue FOMO), whether that be at other academies across Australia or more recently through FQA1 teams in Brisbane.
To learn more FEAP stories and be inspired by our student athletes, visit here.
