Boys' Sport 

Ranjiv Bhar, Year 11, Ridgeway Campus 

I have been in the Firsts Boys’ Soccer Team since Year 9. Starting at a younger age, in the Middle Years, playing with Year 11s and 12s gave me such a great environment for growth in both soccer and my ability in creating connections. Playing through Year 10 and Year 11 has been different experiences because of this, as I’ve become more comfortable with the idea of representing the school in sport at such a high standard. 

The intense atmospheres at training, along with the positivity that my teammates provide, creates the perfect environment for fun to be had, while still improving skills. These feelings continue to the games, where every match is a battle. 

This season was no exception. Starting strong with a 0–0 draw to a high-level team, and then two back-to-back 7–0 wins gave us motivation to attempt to win the whole tournament. Unfortunately, the next games proved to be more of a struggle with poor conditions, simple mistakes and missed goal-scoring opportunities costing us vital games. 

However, the effort given by the boys cannot be faulted, with games ending in tight scorelines and fatigued bodies. The positive, intense atmosphere of the Firsts Boys’ Soccer Team continues, and we’re now setting our sights to get the title next season. 

Lachlan Byrne, Year 11, Plenty Campus 

Whilst many find First XVI Footy to be the only meaningful form of school football, this year, a new team formed to unite Plenty Campus and make Saturday Sport an exciting event for all. The Open C football team, a combination of Year 10, 11 and 12 students, went undefeated this year. The main objective of our team wasn’t to get a perfect win/loss record. We wanted to create a team that everyone could get behind. A team that wasn’t based on skill or advanced tactics but based on friendship and unity.  

The result? A team that not only competed with heart but brought new energy to our school’s sporting program. Players bonded across year levels, friendships were formed, and the often-dreaded early Saturday mornings were transformed into something special. 

Not only was the team an outlet for our players, but it became an event that members of all year levels (and campuses) could enjoy. Through our social media accounts on Instagram and TikTok, we managed to rally the school together and get the Ivanhoe Grammar School community involved in a new and exciting way. The team wasn’t about letting those who already play footy flaunt their skills (though many did), but instead it was about getting new people involved and showing them the joys of team sport. 

As a Year 11 student—and one of the team captains—I was lucky enough to help bring together a team that became so much more than just a group of players. It wasn’t about being the best or winning every week. It was about including everyone who wanted to play, no matter their skill level, and creating a space where we could enjoy the game and have a laugh along the way. 

What stood out the most was how it brought people together. It didn’t matter if you were in Year 10 or Year 12—we were one team, showing up for each other every weekend. There was a genuine sense of mate-ship, from the banter at training sessions, to the moments on the field where we pushed each other to keep going. 

As a result of our hard work and friendship, we ended up completing the season undefeated, our final game being a sweeping 50-point win over the Ridgeway Campus C team. 

Throughout the 2025 Winter Season, being a part of this team has been a highlight of my semester. I cannot thank our coach, Mr Tyler, enough for leading such an incredible group of students. I also want to thank the rest of the Plenty Campus (students and staff) for their support, rallying behind us and making this Open C team something special. I know this season will be one I won’t forget.