Sunday 9 November will see Metamorphosis Coaching present the annual Boys Oztag Gala Day at Vale of Ah Reserve in Milperra, southwest Sydney, under the expert supervision of the organisation’s founders, Faz Rana and his wife, Jahida El-Assaad.
It’s been a packed schedule over the past few months for Faz, a respected figure in the Sydney Muslim community, in both sporting and educational circles.
In August, he represented Lebanon at the International Tag Federation tournament in Coffs Harbour, reaching the Grand Final where the team unfortunately went down 2-1 to England in a real thriller.
Sadly, Faz finished the match nursing a broken hand.
“That tournament was a real test,” he admitted.
“The boys gave it everything, but walking away with an injury and a loss stung me for a while.”
“Still, that’s sport – you learn from it, you grow and you come back stronger.”
Faz addresses the kids during last year’s Gala Day.
Just weeks later, Faz was appointed Deputy Principal at Unity Grammar – deserved recognition for 14 years of dedication to teaching, student wellbeing and leadership at the prominent Islamic college.
But even with the demands of Faz’s new position, he and Jahida remain deeply involved in their community initiatives.
Despite their hectic schedules, they continue to balance raising a young family with their senior roles in education, their work through Metamorphosis Coaching and while both are pursuing their Master’s degrees.
It’s a heavy load, but one Faz approaches with quiet discipline and a deep sense of shared purpose.
“It’s a full plate, no doubt,” he said, “but it’s all about staying grounded.”
Formidable team…. Faz and his wife Jahida.
“Everything we do is about building something bigger than ourselves.”
“Running Metamorphosis Coaching alongside our day jobs and family life isn’t easy.”
“But it’s a team effort, and when it comes to Metamorphosis Coaching, Jahida definitely plays the major role.”
“Her energy and insights are a huge part of why it works.”
This year’s Boys Oztag Gala Day continues a tradition that saw more than 300 boys take the field in 2024 – a remarkable turnout for a local Oztag event.
“That response just confirmed what we’ve always believed – that there’s a real hunger for opportunities where young people can compete, connect and grow,” Faz pointed out.
But the Gala Day isn’t just about athleticism.
“We design the day around character as much as competition,” he explained.
“We want the boys to walk away having learned something – about resilience, about teamwork, about themselves.”
For Faz, sport has always been a tool for broader development.
“I love sport….it builds relationships, teaches discipline and shows you how to handle setbacks.”
“Those are the same lessons I’ve been trying to instil into kids throughout my teaching career – and on the playing field as well.”
With a strong turnout assured and values at the core, the 2025 Boys Oztag Gala Day promises not only great football but a meaningful experience for all involved.
Catch all the action on Sunday 9 November at Vale of Ah Reserve, Milperra and special thanks goes to major event sponsors Human Appeal, Prime Cranes and Care@metamorphosis.
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