A new tradition begins

From humble beginnings, what started as a simple kick-around organised by a group of Year 11 students during their Breaks has grown into something far greater—a tradition in the making. What began as a casual game of soccer quickly captured the attention of students from across different year groups, inspiring the creation of an event designed to bring our whole College Community together. And so, the Francis Premier League (FPL) was born—not just as a soccer competition, but as a celebration of friendship, inclusivity, and College spirit.

After several weeks of intense competition, the tournament reached its peak on Wednesday, 27th of August, when the two top teams clashed in the grand final. Year 12 took on Year 10 in a thrilling match that showcased skill, determination, and passion. With the entire College gathered on the sidelines to cheer them on, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. In the end, Year 12 claimed victory with a hard-fought 2–0 win, securing their place as the inaugural FPL champions.

A special thank you goes to Sean and Mr Suters, who refereed with fairness and dedication, ensuring the game was played in the right spirit.

The day carried even greater meaning with the launch of the Francis Boot Drive earlier that morning. Thanks to the generosity of our students, more than 30 pairs of boots were donated, which will be passed on to local clubs. This initiative will give more young people the chance to play the game they love, extending the spirit of the FPL beyond the College grounds.

The success of the Francis Premier League and the Boot Drive is a testament to the passion, creativity, and leadership of our students. Together, they have planted the seeds of a tradition that we hope will continue to grow each year—a lasting legacy of sport, service, and community at St Francis.

- Chloe S & Nikolas K