The Kanga Cup has been proud to host more than handful of teams from across the Tasman Sea over the years and are pleased to welcome the latest addition to the ranks, Carmel College from Auckland.

Carmel College, a Catholic girl’s school in Auckland whose first team football team plays in the A1 school grade competing against schools across the Auckland region, have signed up for the 2024 Kanga Cup and will be pitting their wits against their peers from Australia.

“This is the first time we have entered the Kanga Cup, and the excitement levels are building!” Claire Magness, who works in the Sports Department at Carmel College and is in charge of organising the trip to Canberra for the school football team, commented.

“We have travelled to the Gold Coast previously for a tournament prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns, and, as a Sports Department, we try and run an international trip every year, with a different sport getting the opportunity each time.

“The purpose of the trip is to continue with the development of football at Carmel College, as we are currently seeing huge growth in the football space in the younger year groups here. The team are so excited for this opportunity to travel internationally for their sport and experience an event, unlike anything they would have before.”

Carmel College was founded in 1957 by the Sisters of Mercy to provide a Catholic education for girls on Auckland’s North Shore. The school is set on the shores of Lake Pupuke in Milford. Carmel College offers every opportunity for girls to obtain a broad, academically challenging education. This holistic education is founded on the gospel values of the Catholic faith, interwoven with cultural and sporting opportunities.

The Kanga Cup therefore ticks all the boxes for the school’s holistic approach, as Magness revealed.

“Aside from the football, we use these tournaments for the players to start learning about self-management and personal responsibility,” Magness said. “They have to take part in the meal prep, supermarket shopping, keeping to/creating the schedule and each day organise a team connection or activity, all part of the bigger picture of being an athlete.

“To fundraise for the trip, the girls have organised and will be running a Y8 Disco for the students here, a create connection piece for the team also prior to travelling away together. From the money raised at this event, they are looking to book in a tour at the Australian Institute of Sport and do some indoor ‘Glow in the Dark’ Mini Golf”

Carmel College have entered the U17 female Plate, so make sure you get along to support them during their week in Canberra!