Newly released data reveals Matthew Flinders Anglican College has the highest number of regional school sport representatives in the Sunshine Coast region through the first semester of 2024.
According to the latest report provided by the Regional School Sport Office, Flinders had 76 students across ages 10-19 years selected at regional trials across 13 sports, which is the broadest range of sport representation by a school in the region, stretching from Gympie to Redcliffe.
Flinders students achieved in the Queensland School Sport Representative pathway offerings of Australian Football, Basketball, Aquathlon, Triathlon, Rugby Union, Netball, Touch, Swimming, Rugby 7s, Water Polo, Hockey, Cricket and Football (Soccer).
NOTE: Students with a passion and special talent for sport are invited to apply for Sports Scholarships to Flinders (for a 2025 entry) as part of the Flinders Scholarships Program. Current applications are also called for Music, Foundation and Principal’s Scholarships, with all applications due by 12 August.
Flinders also had the second highest number of students selected into Queensland School Sport teams, with 14 students selected across 6 sports.
Representations will continue to be announced as more key sporting events are held throughout Semester Two.
And with Flinders winning both the 9-12 years and the 13-18 years District Athletics Carnivals, the College predicts there will be a large number of students who qualify through to Regional and State athletics teams.
Head of Sport at Flinders, Mr Adam Ridgewell said, “We are very proud of the breadth and depth of sporting opportunities we offer at Flinders.
“Our students value the extensive opportunities to participate to their fullest as part of our College community,” he said.
“Sport is a rich part of life at Flinders and whether trying new sports with their friends or excelling in their chosen sports, our students are supported to achieve to their potential.”
A recent netball achievement at the CQUniversity QISSN Carnival in Townsville from 23-28 June 2024 saw the Flinders team finish an impressive 4th place out of 64 teams. Kirra Tappenden in Year 12 at Flinders was named Player of the Tournament.
Outside of Queensland School Sport Representation, Flinders has a number of student athletes who are competing at a state and national level, including:
- 8 students competing at the upcoming World Surf Lifesaving
- one student at the Australian Institute for Sport Water Polo Camp
- 6 students in the recent Football Queensland teams at the National Championship
- two students at the recent Australian Schools Championships for Rugby and
- students who have represented their state at Athletics, Surf Lifesaving Little Athletics, Futsal, Open Water Swimming, Equestrian, Rugby and Swimming since last summer.
Flinders Students and Alumni to Compete at 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Paris
And for one student, swimmer Callum Simpson in Year 11, the next step to Australian representation has been achieved, with Callum recently selected to compete at the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris. What’s more, Flinders alumni swimmer Katja Dedekind (Class of 2019), kayaker Ally Clarke (Class of 2017) and cyclist Kristina Clonan (Class of 2016) are also selected to compete in Paris.
Flinders Elite Athlete Program Continues to Grow
The majority of the students at Flinders who achieved regional selection are ably supported across their sporting and academic lives through the Flinders Elite Athlete Program (FEAP), which supports more than 40 student athletes from Years 7-12 and is directed by Ms Lauren Nourse.
Each FEAP athlete has an individual performance plan tailored to their personal needs and demands of their chosen sport, and has access to workshops, presentations and mentoring opportunities with elite athletes, consultants and coaches to further enhance their skills, mindset and learning capabilities.
This story profiles five Year 12 FEAP athletes and shares their goals for study and sport beyond graduation.
Flinders also prides itself on offering a strong Health and Physical Education Curriculum alongside a rich Co-curricular Sports Program that encourages, supports and challenges students of all ages, sporting levels and interests.
To learn more and apply for Sports Scholarships and other scholarships at Flinders, visit www.mfac.edu.au/scholarships
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