Matt Grice, Director of Sport
Dear Parents and Guardians,
A big welcome to a busy Term 2 for Cranbrook Sport.
A massive thank you to all who were involved in the numerous activities over the holiday break. It was a very busy and productive period for Cranbrook Sport, with a wide range of tours and training opportunities taking place both locally and internationally. Our Year 6 rugby team represented the School at the Armidale Rugby Carnival, while our 1st and 2nd XV Rugby teams travelled to the Gold Coast for a highly valuable pre-season tour. Our AFL squad ventured to the Northern Territory, gaining unique experience and exposure to different playing conditions. In an exciting first for the School, our Snowsports team attended its inaugural training camp in Italy, a significant step forward in our winter sports program. Meanwhile, our Year 9 and 10 footballers had the incredible opportunity to tour Portugal and Spain, immersing themselves in elite football environments and broadening their sporting and cultural horizons.
Back on campus, our School holiday camps, and the weights centre were well attended, with excellent energy and commitment shown across the board. Many of our top squads put in significant work to prepare for the upcoming winter season, setting a strong foundation for the term ahead.
It was fantastic to see so many students staying active, engaged, and representing Cranbrook so well during the break. Well done to everyone who got involved and thank you again to all the staff who supported these opportunities.
I personally was fortunate enough to attend the European football tour with Cranbrook’s year 9 and 10 Football players. The tour was available to all students, not just those playing in the A teams. The football tour was an unforgettable journey that combined high-level training, competitive matches, cultural experiences, and team bonding across Lisbon and Madrid. The trip began in Portugal, where the boys trained with Benfica coaches, toured iconic stadiums like Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, and played against strong local teams. Days were filled with training, matches, shopping, sightseeing, and team activities, including exploring Lisbon’s coastline and enjoying quality meals together. Upon arriving in Madrid, the group trained with Atlético and Real Madrid coaches, toured both clubs’ world-class stadiums and museums, and continued playing competitive matches. They also explored cultural landmarks, tried Spanish cuisine, spent a day at the Warner Bros. theme park, and wrapped up with a Real Madrid vs Getafe match, sitting pitchside and even interacting with stars like Jude Bellingham and Luka Modrić. The trip fostered growth both on and off the field, and the boys left with lasting memories, new skills, and a deeper appreciation for European football.
A big congratulations to the Cranbrook students who competed in the Australian Water Polo Youth Championships over the break. A special mention to Tom L, Takuma Y and Alexander S for winning a gold medal in the under 14s division and Hugo M for winning a gold in the under 16s division. Hugo was also awarded MVP goalie of the tournament. Well done to all involved. If any parents or guardian would like any additional information on Water Polo at Cranbrook, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Gregory McFadden –GMcFadden@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.
This weekend sees our 1st CAS Winter Round against Barker for Football, AFL, Tennis and Volleyball while Rugby takes on Riverview. The weather is not looking fantastic, but as always, we will do our best to bet as many games on as possible. I wish all students competing the best of luck. Please download this weekend’s fixtures here.
Concussion Protocols
Last year, Cranbrook and the other CAS schools adopted the “Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) new Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport, which were released on 1 February 2024.
The Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport have been designed to provide clear and consistent guidance on concussion for parents, teachers, coaches, sideline staff and others involved in youth and community sport.
These guidelines provide information on how to recognise and manage concussion from the time of injury through to a safe return to education, work and playing sport. This information is intended for the general public and for individuals participating in youth (those aged under 19 years) and community sports where healthcare practitioners are less likely to be available to diagnose and monitor symptom progression of individuals with concussion.
Please download the Cranbrook and AIS Concussion guidelines here. If you have any questions around concussion, please don’t hesitate to email Cranbrook’s Acting Head of Athletic Performance. Amy-Leigh Williams – AWilliams@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.
To Note:
- The T2 2025 Co-Curricular and Sport Schedule can be accessed here.
Sports Resources – contain essential information regarding sports events, schedules and important updates for the year ahead
Looking forward to seeing everyone around the grounds this weekend.
Matt Grice
Director of Sport