From running a personal best to being there for a teammate, what matters most in sport is different for everyone.  

At Haileybury the Sport program recognises all students have individual interests and goals.  

“Whether a student is aiming high in competition, looking for fun and fitness, or still discovering what they enjoy, the sport program is designed to meet them where they are,” explains Matt Dwyer, Head of Sport. 

Matt says the program recognises that students have different sporting goals, experiences and ambitions. Some students have high-performance goals. Others love a sense of belonging when they play in a team. Some students are interested in health and fitness, while others enjoy the social side of sport. The program also supports students who may not feel confident by encouraging them to explore different activities so they can discover what suits them.  

“We know that students engage in sport in different ways, which is why we offer a broad range of opportunities,” says Matt. “Our aim is to ensure every student can find a way to be active, engaged and challenged.”  

The approach begins early. In the Junior School students undertake specialist programs designed to build foundational physical skills as well as enjoyment. From Year 5, students participate in interschool sports and other sporting opportunities.  

As students become more senior the sport offerings broaden. They can be involved in sport through festival and House events and in alternative pathways such as coaching, officiating, sports administration and student leadership. Sports offerings include a very broad range of disciplines such as diving, sailing, aerobics and rock climbing. By Year 12 students can also access fitness-based offerings such as cardio-tennis. 

The strength of the program is reflected in its coaching. Students are supported by staff that include elite-level coaches and Olympians. 

For Jack, Year 11, the broad opportunities have allowed him to enjoy sport in different ways. This year, he played Firsts Volleyball and Thirds Football, pursuing high performance, fitness and fun. 

“I was captain of the Firsts Volleyball team and was proud to help lead the team to a premiership. I also enjoy playing AFL because it gives me the opportunity to have fun and spend time with my friends,” he says. 

One of Jack’s goals was to be part of a winning volleyball APS premiership, a dream that he achieved this year. “I am very proud that we achieved it. Now I hope that we can go back-to-back with another premiership.” 

He is grateful for the sports opportunities that he has had at the School. “Haileybury has provided incredible support for my sporting endeavours, along with receiving expert coaching with the volleyball program.” 

Caitlin, Year 10, also loves playing volleyball, as well as netball and water polo. “Although on the surface they may seem like very different sports, at their core they are all centred around being part of a team. I think that is ultimately what made me fall in love with all three,” she reflects.  

Caitlin has also enjoyed being involved in House sport. “Even when you aren’t competing yourself, there is a strong sense of support and community around you,” she says. 

She also loves being involved in sport for both the friendship and teamwork. She enjoys volleyball and netball for both the fun and a “bit of competition.”  She has high ambitions for water polo, currently playing in the School’s Firsts team and hoping to eventually play in the women’s state league. 

Chase, Year 7, enjoys athletics and his favourite event is 800 metres. He has learnt that improvement in athletics comes from putting in the hard work during training. “I enjoy competing against other athletes, but I also try to improve every week by beating my personal best times,” he says. “I enjoy playing sport with my friends and encouraging each other to do our best.” 

For Astrid, Year 7, playing on a team is very rewarding. “The best part about playing on a team is meeting new people from the other campuses and watching everyone improve over a season. It is great being able to have a team that has each other’s backs and that you can rely on,” she says.  

This year she has particularly enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the NFL Flag Day. “It was a great way to get involved and amazing to see a little part of America’s sport,” she says.  

“What makes school sport fun for me is that everyone participates and tries their best,” she explains.  

It is a sentiment reflected in the School’s Sports program. By recognising that all students are motivated by different goals and interests, every student has the chance to enjoy being active.