Last night at our prize-giving, we awarded a new trophy

It is the Sylvia Scherp Memorial Trophy and was awarded to the Most Valuable Player in our First XI Girls Football team. Caitlin Scherp and the family have asked us to share the following about this trophy.

First and foremost, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to South Otago High School for giving us the opportunity to honour our wonderful mum and the lasting contribution she made to the girls’ football teams.

Football was something that ran through our family, with generations following in the footsteps of those who had played First XI football at SOHS. Both Petrina and I were fortunate enough to continue that tradition, playing for the First XI throughout our time at school. But while we were the ones out on the pitch, Mum was always there on the sidelines, our biggest supporter and one of the team's’ biggest cheerleaders.

Whether it was a game on the school field or a trip down to Logan Park, you could always count on seeing Mum’s familiar face and hearing her cheers. She was never just there to watch us play; she was there for all the girls. She celebrated their successes, supported them through their losses, and took genuine pride in every one of them. Her support was never limited to the time we spent at school as she continued to support the girls after we graduated. Mum continued to make the effort to get along to games and support the girls. She would proudly relay the results back to us, keeping us up to date with how the team was going. It was something she genuinely loved, and it meant so much to her to remain a part of the football community that had given our family so many wonderful memories.

Tournament week was no exception. Every year, Mum would put her hand up to help in whatever way she could. Whether it meant driving the girls from one game to the next, cooking meals, or spending an entire week with 16 teenagers in whatever weather the South Island could throw at them, she was always willing to give her time. She never seemed to think twice about it. That was simply who Mum was. If there was a way she could help, she would.

When Mum received the news that the school was considering dedicating a trophy in her name, she was incredibly honoured. It meant so much to her to know that the time, love, and support she had given so freely over the years had made a difference. She never did these things for recognition, but knowing that the school and the girls remembered her contribution meant more than words could express.

Sadly, with Mum’s very recent passing, she was no longer here to see the special moment or present the trophy herself. It breaks our hearts that she could not be there to witness the beginning of something that would have meant so much to her. On behalf of the Scherp family, and especially on behalf of Mum, we are truly honoured to see her name and legacy live on through this trophy.

To us, this is about much more than a trophy. It is a way of keeping a little piece of Mum alive in a place that meant so much to her. Every year, as this trophy is presented, we hope it will serve as a reminder of the people behind the scenes who make sport so special: the supporters on the sidelines, the helpers who give their time, and the people who show up, year after year, simply because they care. 

Mum was one of those people. She showed her love through the things she did, the time she gave, and the people she supported. She may no longer be standing on the sidelines, cheering the girls on in person, but we hope that, in some small way, her presence will remain with the team for many years to come.

Thank you for giving us this opportunity to honour her and her contribution to girls football.