Bilingual World Cup 2026

We’re excited to share that our Bilingual World Cup 2026 football teams have now been selected! Congratulations to all students who took part in the trials and to those who will be representing Newlands at this year’s tournament.

We are also currently selecting our student referees. A shortlist has been created following the referee test, and these students will now take part in a practical refereeing session where they can demonstrate their knowledge, communication and decision-making in a real game situation. From there, our final referee team will be selected.

As we prepare for the tournament, we also want to highlight something that is just as important as football ability: how we represent Newlands through sport.

Students selected as players or referees are expected to:

• Treat teammates, opponents, referees, teachers and parent volunteers with respect.
• Follow instructions from staff and adults supporting the teams.
• Show kindness, teamwork and good sportsmanship.
• Accept decisions respectfully, even when they disagree.
• Be humble when winning and respectful when losing.
• Encourage others rather than criticise or blame teammates.
• Avoid bullying, discriminatory language, aggressive behaviour or disrespectful comments.
• Represent the values of Newlands both on and off the field.

Being selected for a team is a privilege, and representing our school means showing our values through our actions. Football skills are important, but character, respect and sportsmanship are even more important.

We encourage families to have a conversation at home with selected students about these expectations. Teachers will also speak with students before the tournament so that everyone understands what it means to represent Newlands.

If a student displays serious or repeated behaviour that does not align with these expectations — including bullying, discrimination or significant disrespect — they may unfortunately lose their place in the team or be unable to participate in the tournament.

Our aim is not only to compete, but to show how sport can be used to practise respect, teamwork, resilience and community. Learning how to win well, lose well and support others is a big part of what makes sport so valuable.

We are very proud of the students selected so far and look forward to continuing our preparations for the Bilingual World Cup 2026!