Eighteen Western Sydney University (WSU) students jet off to China today to take part in the 2023 International University Sports Federation football world cup.
The 10 day tournament will see teams from 12 nations battle it out for the trophy.
Millions of viewers are expected to tune in, which is an exciting prospect for WSU Campbelltown campus physiotherapy student – and captain of the team – Thomas Dunn.
“It is an immense honour to lead this group of boys, and to represent the university and nation at the university football world cup,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to playing on the world stage, with quality fields and big crowds against top opposition in front of high-profile scouts and coaches.
“Most of all though I am looking forward to travelling and playing with the team. They’re a great group of teammates turned family and I am excited to go on this journey with them.”
The WSU team are set to take on Myongi University from South Korea in the opening game of the tournament, followed by their second round match against State University of Trade and Economics from the Ukraine, games they hope to win to qualify for the later stages of the tournament.
Assistant coach and physiotherapy student Callum Glass has represented WSU in football and futsal for four years, competing at numerous intervarsity, national, and international competitions.
“I have kicked a ball since I could walk and my involvement in university football keeps my passion alive,’’ said Glass, who also studies at the Campbelltown campus.
“I love getting to lace up my boots alongside my friends and overcome the challenges out on the pitch.’’
“The culture and spirit of the WSU football team is well known across all universities in Australia and extends beyond the final whistle.
“The team unity and spirit are like no other team in university sport, and we make it known when we sing our team song loud and proud, before and after every game.”
The team are excited about the opportunity, but remain focused on the task at hand, taking every game and every challenge as it comes.
They have spent many hours preparing for the tournament, under the guidance of coach and ex-Socceroo Milan Blagojevic, who has been working to get the players connecting on the field together.
“The enthusiasm of the team has been impressive, and it has helped create a good vibe which has fuelled a positive atmosphere at training,” Mr Blagojevic said.
“I was fortunate to go through two world cup campaigns and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, so sharing the University World Cup with the team is exciting as I know it is a platform for the boys to gain recognition.”
Jubilation is the word goalkeeper and finance student, Ryan Jenkins, used to describe the moment the team won the nationals title last year, cementing the team’s place in the 2023 world cup.
After months of hard work and anticipation, Jenkins said the team has their sights set on making the most of the opportunity and replicating the same success at this tournament.
“As someone who was born and raised in Western Sydney, and now continuing to study in the region, I am feeling really proud to represent my home on the international stage.’’
He says joining the university football team has unlocked exciting opportunities, an experience he recommends to other students with the same love of sport.
“It is a great way to maximise your university experience. I have been lucky enough to go to many places including Perth, Gold Coast, New Zealand and now China while meeting new people and making lifelong memories and friends,” he said.
“The feeling of achieving goals with your team is incomparable and brings everyone so much closer. It’s something you will remember for life.”
To find out more information about the 2023 FISU University Football World Cup, click here.
Picture by Sally Tsoutas
