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“[…] There are also concerns about statements reportedly made to players and/or during discussions with members of the football community, which may give the impression that football is not a priority for St Anthony’s College.
“[…] The concern is therefore not simply about winning football matches. These are young students who have committed themselves to representing their school. They deserve to feel that the institution they represent values their efforts and is prepared to provide appropriate support…”
The following is a Letter to the Editor by A Concerned Parent of a St Anthony’s College football player, which questions the level of support provided to the team by the school administration:
I am writing as a concerned parent of a student who participates in the football programme at St Anthony’s College. I am choosing to remain anonymous because I do not wish for my child or our family to experience any negative consequences as a result of raising legitimate concerns about the support being provided to the students.
This is not intended to attack the school, its administration, coaches or any individual. Rather, it is an appeal for greater clarity, accountability and meaningful support for the young men who represent St Anthony’s College on the football field.
There are a number of concerns among parents surrounding the level of administrative, financial and logistical support currently being provided to the football programme.
One concern relates to the provision of uniforms and jerseys, particularly for the Premiership team.
In previous years, parents were not required to pay for the Premiership team’s uniforms. This year, however, parents were required to make financial contributions towards these uniforms.
Parents understand that supporting a child’s participation in school sports may sometimes involve financial sacrifice. However, the change from previous practice has understandably raised questions about the level of financial and logistical support currently being provided by the College.
Parents would appreciate clarification regarding the reason for this change, the extent of the school’s contribution towards team uniforms, and whether there is a consistent policy governing these expenses.
There are also concerns surrounding the commencement and consistency of football training. Parents understand that, in the previous year, training commenced in July. This year, however, training did not commence until late August.
St Anthony’s are traditional heavyweights in the SSFL top flight, but have struggled at the start of the 2026 season.
Photo: Allan V Crane/ CA-Images/ Wired868.
This difference in the start of preparation has raised questions among parents, particularly given the demands of preparing student-athletes to represent the College in competitive football.
Parents would appreciate clarification regarding the reasons for the delay and what measures are being taken to ensure that the players receive adequate preparation, training time and support throughout the season.
Another concern involves the condition and preparation of the playing field. There have been instances where the field was cut, but concerns remained about whether it was properly cleaned and prepared afterwards.
Photo: Ire Charles/ Wired868.
Parents question whether the facilities being provided to the players are receiving the level of maintenance necessary for students participating in competitive football.
There are also concerns about statements reportedly made to players and/or during discussions with members of the football community, which may give the impression that football is not a priority for the College.
In particular, one parent reports that, during a meeting, a statement was made to the effect that if money had to be spent, it would be spent on other school matters rather than on football.
Photo: Allan V Crane/ CA-Images/ Wired868.
If accurately reported, comments of this nature would understandably concern parents, particularly those whose children are committing significant time and effort to representing the College.
The concern is therefore not simply about winning football matches. These are young students who have committed themselves to representing their school. They deserve to feel that the institution they represent values their efforts and is prepared to provide appropriate support.
There is also concern about visible administrative support at matches. Parents have noticed a difference between the level of support they recall receiving under previous school leadership and what they are currently seeing.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
The issue is not that every administrator must attend every match, but rather whether the students feel that their school is behind them when they represent it.
Parents are not asking the school to provide everything free of charge, nor are they suggesting that parents should have no role in supporting their children. What parents are asking for is clarity regarding the school’s role and commitment to the football programme, particularly where there has been a change from previous practice.
Some reasonable questions therefore arise:
- What level of financial and logistical support does the school currently provide to its football teams?
- Why has the approach to providing Premiership team uniforms changed from previous years?
- What portion of team uniform costs is currently being covered by the school, and what portion is being covered by parents?
- Who is responsible for ensuring that coaches receive the necessary communication and resources in a timely manner?
- What caused the delay in the commencement of football training this year, and how will adequate preparation time be ensured going forward?
- Who is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the football facilities?
- What support is available for uniforms and other essential football equipment?
- Does the school consider football to be an important part of its extracurricular programme?
- What measures are being taken to ensure that students representing St Anthony’s College feel supported by the institution?
These questions deserve answers, not because parents are seeking conflict with the school, but because the students deserve transparency and meaningful institutional support.
The young men who put on the St Anthony’s College jersey are representing more than themselves. They represent their families, their coaches, their teammates and their school.
Photo: Allan V Crane/ CA-Images/ Wired868.
Parents simply want to know that the institution they are asking their children to represent is equally committed to supporting them. Raising these concerns should not be viewed as an attack on the College, but as an opportunity to address issues that may affect the experience and development of student-athletes.
I hope these concerns can be addressed constructively and that the school administration will take the opportunity to clarify its position and demonstrate its commitment to the football programme and the students who participate in it.
Editor’s Note: St Anthony’s College are the defending North Zone Intercol champions, having won the competition in 2025. At the time of publication, after seven Premiership games in the 2026 season, the “Westmoorings Tigers” are bottom of the 17-team table with two points.
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