SEAN Fraser, the head coach of Hillel Academy, is confident his young charges can negotiate the first round of the Manning Cup despite losing over a dozen players from last season’s squad.

With a new-look Manning Cup format adding another layer of intrigue to this year’s competition, Fraser says Hillel’s immediate objective is clear — get through the opening round and establish themselves as a serious force in schoolboy football.

“Our target is definitely to come out of the first round of this new Manning Cup set-up,” Fraser said. “We have been training hard and the players have been applying themselves as true student-athletes who really want to achieve greatness.”

The departure of that many players could have forced Hillel into a major rebuilding exercise, but Fraser believes the school has retained a strong core capable of competing with the established names in the competition.

“We have lost about 15 players overall that were part of the first Manning [Cup] team of last year, but we still have a core that has been playing together for years, along with some new faces,” he said.

Hillel Academy football Head Coach Sean Fraser (left) speaks to players during training at Constant Spring field on Monday. (Photos: Joseph Welllington)

Hillel are drawn in Zone B alongside Dunoon Park Technical, Innswood High, Papine High, Clan Carthy High, St Mary’s College, Jose Marti Technical and Penwood High.

Last season, Hillel Academy in their debut at this level, missed qualification to the second round by only one point.

They defeated Meadowbrook High 3-0, Pembroke Hall High 9-1, Dunoon Park 3-2, but lost 0-5 to Calabar High and 0-3 to Wolmer’s Boys’.

Rather than being intimidated by the pedigree of some of their opponents, Fraser expects his players to approach every match with confidence and determination.

“Our expectations are to compete at the highest level and it doesn’t matter about the big names. We will compete for sure in every game and let the chips fall where they may.

“There’s no fear of any team in my group. Obviously, we respect every school and team, and I think we should be able to come out of the first round with what we have on our roster this season,” he said.

Hillel Academy football players train at Constant Spring field on Monday.

While the immediate focus is on Manning Cup success, Fraser believes Hillel is building something much bigger than a team for one season.

The school has brought in Ryan Foster as strategic advisor, a move Fraser believes will help strengthen the overall sporting programme.

The coach also pointed to the recruitment of new talent to replace players who have moved on to boarding schools.

“What we are building is something special and magical. We have brought in Mr Ryan Foster as our strategic advisor of all sports to the board of governors and he has been doing an amazing job.”

“We have gotten in some talents to replace the ones that have moved on to boarding school, so we are looking for continuity over the next three years. We should be competing at the highest level.”

For Fraser, however, the true measure of his programme will not simply be trophies or results.

The Hillel coach wants football to serve as a vehicle for developing disciplined, responsible young men who can make an impact away from the football field as well.

“Here at Hillel, I am looking to create good footballers but better human beings. My coaching style and philosophy are not just to win, but to create better all-around human beings,” he said.

And with a blend of experienced players, newcomers and a long-term development plan, Fraser believes Hillel could be at the beginning of something significant.

For now, the mission is straightforward: Survive the first round, compete against every opponent and lay the foundation for a Hillel team capable of challenging at the highest level in the years ahead.