Published on: 2 May 2014


In preparation for the 2014 PSA soccer season, the Christ Church First XI played a match against touring side Melbourne Grammar School at the end of last term. The boys also met the visiting team’s coach Jesper Olsen, one of the legends of the game.

First coaches Mark Lee and Gareth Phillips said the game was very competitive and an excellent hit-out for the boys in preparation for their first game of the season against Guildford this week. Mr Phillips said Melbourne Grammar had solid victories against Hale, Guildford and Scotch and was a big physical team.

“Christ Church proved they were on track for a good season with a determined 0-0 draw,” he said. “The boys probably had the best of the game and created a number of chances in front of goals.“

Mr Phillips said he and Mr Lee were pleased to ‘talk football’ with the Melbourne Grammar coach, who played 139 games for Manchester United and 43 times for Denmark including two European Championships. The former Danish footballer was particularly famous for the ‘passed penalty’ or ‘Cruyff penalty’, which football aficionados would remember.

“Jesper said he thought the Christ Church boys were playing the game ‘as it should be played’ and also noted that we were the best team that his team had encountered on tour,” Mr Phillips said. “The match was played in good spirit and hopefully will assist the boys in their pursuit of success this year.”