A week of top level competition provided valuable experience for our young team.

Last week, the OHS Girls 1st XI travelled to Taupō to compete at the NZSS Secondary School Premier Tournament. Selection for the tournament placed OHS among the top 32 school teams in New Zealand and provided the team with the opportunity to test themselves against some of the strongest school football teams in the country. The girls faced a particularly challenging draw and were required to adapt and learn throughout the week.

Results did not always go their way, including a difficult penalty shootout loss, but the team responded strongly. They continued to compete and produced some of their best football across their final three games. OHS finished 26th in New Zealand, with the tournament providing important experience for a young team that will take plenty from competing at this level. The week also provided opportunities away from football for the players to spend time together and strengthen the connections within the team.

A special acknowledgement goes to Year 13 student Livvy Matsas, who captained the team against Queen’s High School in her final match for the OHS 1st XI and was named the OHS Tournament MVP. As the team’s only Year 13 player, Livvy finishes five years representing OHS football, including three years with the 1st XI following two years with the Junior XI. We thank Livvy for her contribution to OHS Football and wish her well for the future.

For the team captain, attending Nationals for the first time in a leadership role made the week particularly significant. Her message to the younger players was simple: make the most of every opportunity, support your teammates and enjoy playing together. With a young squad gaining valuable experience at national level, there is much to look forward to for OHS Girls Football.