The boys' indoor football teams have had a very successful 2018. In term 1, our senior boys won Division 1 in a tightly fought contest with some of the best schools in Canterbury, an achievement that the players were ecstatic to achieve.

Our junior boys' team won Division 2 in Term 1 which was an equally impressive feat. Over winter, the interest to be involved in football grew as many turned up to weekly training sessions. By the time Term 4 came around, we were able to enter a whole different junior team due to the increase in numbers. Our senior boys finished 3rd in Term 4. Due to a number of players having commitments in a busy term, we were not able to replicate our amazing performance of Term 1. Our two junior teams were both placed in division one which is unheard of. But the boys rose to the challenge and the two teams finished 2nd and 4th out of 6, a true reflection of the calibre of young players we have at Hornby High School at the moment. The students involved have shown a great deal of commitment by turning up at 7:30 am for training before school and assisting in refereeing of games.

The quality of football at Hornby has steadily been increasing over the years and I am very excited to see where these players go in the coming years.

For our girls' indoor football players, playing with a softer football on a wooden gym floor, finesse and control are crucial. By playing indoor football over the course of the year, the girls improved their ball skills dramatically. In addition, the girls’ communication and teamwork improved markedly as they grew closer as a team. The team played a number of worthy opponents such as St Margarets College, Villa Maria College and Christchurch Girls' High. They had fun, ran hard, and always maintained a positive attitude. The team was comprised of a range of year levels, including several juniors who bravely gave it a go, some with no prior knowledge of soccer at all. Our most senior member and captain, Aimee Musson-Polwart (Year 13), directed the team effectively and confidently. Other senior members who contributed, not just in terms of talent, but also leadership and sportsmanship, include Jorja Woodgate (Year 11) and Iris Taramai (Year 12). The team’s level of energy, commitment and engagement was impressive. The girls repeatedly represented Hornby High School well, with a high standard of professionalism and courtesy. A huge thanks goes out to supporting students and staff, who regularly offered to referee games and monitor the scoreboard during home games.

Girls’ Football (outdoor)

The girls’ football team started the season with a number of cancellations due to rain that seemed to never end. However, our spirits could not be doused. Particularly memorable was our game versus Cashmere High School, when said rain completely soaked all of the players, coaches and parent supporters. Despite the discouraging weather, our girls were all smiling, laughing, and cheering each other on. By the second half, the girls had smeared their faces with mud (“war paint”), and they dashed through the puddles, fired up with ceaseless energy, passion, and intensity. Playing in a senior grade with a number of developing junior players was sometimes hard work, but the girls maintained their resilience and determination. Our captain, Aimee Musson-Polwart, Year 13, earned Player of the Year. She was an excellent leader and showed the team what a truly skilled player looks like. Jaime Burns, Year 9, made an impressive debut for the senior squad as Goalkeeper. Kaela Lowry, Year 9, ran on to the field with guns blazing, and ran off with Most Improved Player. As Shakespeare once said, “though she be but little, she is fierce.” And finally, Jorja Woodgate, Year 11, earned Most Promising Player. Her leadership ability, focus, and passion for the game set her apart. The team would like to thank Mr Heath for helping coach the squad. He shared his time, skills, and support, and never hesitated to join in a scrimmage. The team is looking forward to next year, aiming to compete in a tournament.