By Alesha Capone
Western United player Kaine Sheppard christened the new football goals at a Tarneit school last week, much to the delight of students.
Good News Lutheran College principal Fiona McAuliffe said that Sheppard visited the school last Thursday.
Mrs McAuliffe said the school had spent about 12 months raising money to install the full-sized goals on its oval, after year 10 student Mac sent her a “beautiful letter” in 2020, asking if it would be possible to erect the sports equipment.
Mrs McAuliffe said the invited Sheppard to kick a goal into the new nets, along with Mac, to officially “christen” them.
She said Mac, who is now in year 11, was asked which other students he would like at attend the event, inviting his younger brother and a group of grade 5 pupils whom he helps run soccer drills for during lunch time.
“Kaine was just so humble.” Mrs McAuliffe said.
“He spoke to the students, and signed everything from water bottles to footballs and sneakers.”
Mrs McAuliffe said she has been impressed by Western United’s commitment to the west, after meeting the club’s chief operating officer Matt O’Hanlon and director of football Steve Horvat.
“They didn’t just want to play in the area, they want to be part of the community,” she said.
Sheppard said: “I really enjoy visiting schools and sharing the passion I have for football with young people. I had a great time visiting the Good News Lutheran College and kicking their first goal. Meeting the kids and signing autographs was a privilege and who knows, one of the students could be a future Western United A-League player.”
