THREE soccer players from neighbouring Catholic schools in Sydney’s south are members of Australia’s Olyroos soccer squad at the Tokyo Olympics.
It is believed to be the first time three players have made a national squad from the same area of Sydney.
Goalkeepers Jordan Holmes and Tom Glover went to Aquinas Catholic College in suburban Menai, while midfielder Cameron Devlin attended St. Patrick’s College in suburban Sutherland.
Devlin, who was forced to choose between a soccer or rugby league, now sees his decision as an absolute blessing.
He said his faith has been a huge comfort to him and helped him through some of the toughest of times.
“Being raised in a family where faith is greatly valued has been a great support to me throughout the celebrations and challenges of my career,” he said. “I trust in it to make the right things happen in the future.”
Andrew Devlin, Cameron’s father and sports director at De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah, said all three young men making the Olympic squad was an incredible achievement.
“We are all so very proud of the boys; they have done incredibly well when no one gave them a chance,” he said.
“In regards to Cam’s personal journey, there have been many times along the way that we have drawn on our faith, whether that be in times of adversity such as injuries or to celebrate his successes, it has played a huge part in all of our lives.
“The whole team have portrayed that Aussie never-say-die attitude, which has helped them compete against anyone.”
Tony and Sharon Holmes said seeing their son play at such an elite level was a “dream” and showed anything is possible.
“In 2013, at the age of 16, Jordan left his family and friends in Australia to accept a football scholarship with A.F.C. Bournemouth in England, so we have become accustomed to not being there physically to support him; however, not being able to share in his Olympic journey takes the disappointment, pain and heartache to another level,” Sharon Holmes said.
“However, our faith gives both us and Jordan a solid platform to build on.”
Another Tokyo Olympian from a Sydney Catholic school, Dietrich Roach also counts faith as an important part of his life.
The former Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield student is the youngest member of the Australian rugby sevens team.
“My faith is my rock in everything I do, and sport is no different,” Roach said.
“I’m so grateful to have Jesus in my life, he’s helped me get in the blessed position I am in today.”
Fiji eliminated Australia in the quarterfinals July 27, but at age 20 Roache could have many Olympics ahead.
A relative newcomer to the game, Dietrich was more into computer games than football until three years ago, when he went to watch the Sydney Sevens with his family.
“Both dad and my uncle played for the Western Sydney Two Blues rugby union club, but I didn’t really get interested in it until quite recently,” he said.
“I was watching the Sydney Sevens in 2018 on a family outing, and just fell in love with the sport and the environment.
