Metamorphosis Coaching’s annual Boys Oztag Gala Day returned to Vale of Ah Reserve, Milperra, on Sunday 9 November, again drawing well over 300 participants and many family members for a day that was as much about community as it was about competition.
Under the stewardship of founders Faz Rana and his wife, Jahida El-Assaad, the event delivered exactly what it promised in last month’s AMUST: spirited football, strong values and a genuinely family-filled atmosphere.
“The response to the day from the players and their families again confirmed what we’ve always believed – that there’s a real hunger for opportunities where young people can compete, connect and grow,” Mr Rana told AMUST.
“And when you see whole families on the sidelines cheering together, you realise it’s bigger than sport.”
“We design the day around character as much as competition; its our aim for the boys to walk away having learned something – about resilience, about teamwork, about themselves.”
“If a kid leaves with more confidence and even one new friend, then we’ve won.”
Catering for boys in five age categories from Under 18s down to Under 10s, the event stayed true to its reputation as a great family day that welcomes everyone.
Metamorphosis Coaching founders Jahida El-Assaad and Faz Rana.
The day ran with impressive precision thanks to a committed group of referees, coaches and managers who kept matches flowing and standards high.
“The day ran smoothly because our officials and other volunteers set the tone,” Faz said.
“You can’t teach sportsmanship if adults don’t model it, and they modelled it all day long.”
Parents and supporters played their part too, creating the uplifting, positive tone that has become this gala’s signature.
“I love sport – it builds relationships, teaches discipline and shows you how to handle setbacks….the scores may fade away but the new, good habits that you learn will remain with you.”
Small moments told a story far more important than game results: players shaking hands after tight finishes, captains thanking referees and teams tidying up their areas between games.
Organisers made a point of acknowledging groups who cleaned up after themselves and helped keep the venue pristine.
For Faz, that’s not incidental – it’s the point.
“I was proud to see teams cleaning up their areas and thanking the officials,” he said.
“That’s leadership without a microphone – and it’s what turns an event into a community.”
He was equally clear about what success looks like.
“Yes, we were elated with the huge volume of registrations again this year but even more encouraging was the impeccable behaviour of the boys throughout the day – that’s the kind of culture we want them to carry into school, home and life.”
Fuel and friendship were in plentiful supply.
Jimmy’s Ice Cream kept the kids cool between matches in the late spring heat.
Grill & Co fed the crowds and stalls from Falastin Gear and JMJ Distribution added plenty of colour.
And a huge shout out to event sponsors Human Appeal Australia and Prime Cranes, whose support of the day was invaluable.
The Boys Oztag Gala Day is living proof of how sport binds families, shapes character and strengthens the community.
With sponsors, officials and volunteers setting a gold standard and parents amplifying a culture of respect, this event has cemented its place on the community calendar in southwest Sydney.
And it won’t stop there: Faz and Jahida are already looking at ways to make the day even bigger and better in 2026, ensuring the spirit that defined this year only grows stronger.
- Metamorphosis Coaching is an Australian life coaching firm founded by husband-and-wife team Faz Rana and Jahida El‑Assaad, which supports personal and professional transformation through tailored coaching and programs that build clarity, capability and sustainable change for individuals and organisations.
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