The Irene McCormack Catholic College Sports Academy specialises in Australian Rules Football, Soccer and Basketball and with each team being known as the Panthers.

Sr Irene McCormack was an avid sports fan and participant. She was a passionate fan of Australian Rules Football supporting the South Fremantle football Club and the West Coast Eagles. She was also a keen golfer.

In selecting a name and mascot for the Irene McCormack Catholic College Sports Academy it was important to link to Sr Irene’s historical roots. Sr Irene was born in Kununoppin and grew up in Trayning in the central wheatbelt in Western Australia. Trayning was a member of the Dampier Football Association (1913–1967), which also included clubs in Bencubbin, Kununoppin, Mukinbudin. Nungarin, and Yelbeni. Following a merger of the Dampier Football Association and the Koorda-Wyalkatchem Football Association, the Central Wheatbelt Football League (CWFL) was formed at the end of the 1967 football season. In 1969 Trayning merged with Kunonoppin to form Towns in 1969. As the population of the towns in the central wheatbelt continued to decline there were not enough players available to form a team. The loss of population has many effects in a community. At the end of the 1990 season Towns merged with Nungarin to become the Nungarin Towns Panthers. Other sporting teams in the district have also adopted the name Panthers.

To honour the great history of sport in the central wheatbelt, the sporting home of Sr Irene, it is fitting that the Irene McCormack Catholic College Sports Academy is called the Panthers.

The Panther is incredibly intelligent and agile and one of the most powerful and fearless animals in the world. The panther symbolises courage, valour and power. The panther is a fierce guardian, protector saviour.

The medieval compendium of beasts transforms the panther into a symbol of Christ, reflecting his wisdom and holiness. As the embodiment of Christ, the panther is able to bring complete harmony and unity to the animal kingdom while also providing protection from evil.

Irene McCormack Catholic College introduced the Academy program in 2012 specialising in Soccer. The program grew in 2014 with the addition of Football. As the Academy grew, the College added Basketball in 2019. Today all three specialised sporting programs are available to enrolled students from Year 7 to Year 10 who wish to pursue excellence in their chosen sport.

Aims of the Program - Supplementing the holistic education provided by the College, the Academy program at Irene McCormack Catholic College aims to develop interpersonal skills, mental skills, fitness, and sport specific skills. The primary aim of the Academy is to provide support, guidance, skill development and access to pathways, in addition to the student’s involvement in their local club sport.

Structure of the Program -Students enrolled in the Academy program are expected to participate in one before school training session and one timetabled lesson per week during school time. Students are also expected to develop through club sport training outside of school in addition to excursions and competitions at the College. Academy students are also nominated to compete in the Coastal and Associated Schools competitions.  Students will receive expert coaching and development from Irene McCormack staff, Wanneroo Wolves Basketball Association, West Australian Football Commission, West Perth Football Club and Two Halfs Football Development.

The College welcomes applications from students currently enrolled at Irene McCormack Catholic College, Year 7-10 students from other schools and Year 5 & 6 students looking to enrol at Irene McCormack Catholic College. Selection will be based on academic performance, personal attributes, community club sport participation and athletic levels. 

Reports will be required from the student’s current school and a reference from the community sporting club the student is currently a member of. The selection process will include scrutiny of references and school reports, as well as participation in trials conducted by the College.

Successful applicants will be required to meet the following expectations:  Commitment to all team trainings, excursions, and competitions. Be available for all Coastal Associated Schools and other interschool fixtures. Represent the College to the best of their ability in all aspects of College life. Purchase, wear and always maintain the correct Academy uniform and equipment.  Always demonstrate the upmost sportsmanship. Demonstrate a commitment to academic achievement in every class.

Program Inclusions - Excursions, camps, referee courses, coaching courses, expert coaching with adequate feedback, skill development, participation in school sporting competitions and access to sporting pathways leading to future employment.

Click here to apply

Panthers Sports Academy Information

Student Bus Service, Two Rocks - Yanchep

In September 2017 we surveyed families of students who live in Two Rocks to investigate the demand for a daily Charter Bus Service to the College from Two Rocks.  Due to the very positive response, we are pleased to announce that the service will operate from the commencement of the 2018 school year.

As it may be some years before Catholic schools will be established in the area to the north, a charter service will improve access to Catholic schooling for families and provide a more direct service, thereby reducing student travel time.

The bus service will be available to students living in Two Rocks and surrounds. The service will start from and end each day at the bus stop located outside the IGA in Two Rocks leaving at 7.15am. It will arrive at the College no later than 8.15am and depart in the afternoon at 3.15pm.

Please contact Mrs Swart at the College on 9562 2444 or email cheryl.swart@cewa.edu.au  if you have any queries. A registration form is available below.

Bus Charter Registration Form