Sports Bulletin – Issue 5, 15 May 2026

Looking Ahead – Round 3 vs Padua College 

This weekend, ottrimester 3ur Chess, Football and Rugby Union programs turn their attention to Round 3 against Padua College. After two strong weeks of competition in 2026, this round provides another important opportunity for our students to represent Villanova College with pride, discipline and humility. 

This week also connects strongly to the message shared at Tuesday’s Trimester 1 Awards Assembly, where we celebrated the effort shown across AFL, Cricket, Swimming and Volleyball. More than 830 students represented Villanova College across 60 teams in Trimester 1, with students recognised through AIC Premiership teams, AIC Swimming Championships placegetters, Major Awards, First Team MVPs and G.R.E.A.T.S. Award winners. 

Our G.R.E.A.T.S. focus this week is Effort. Effort is not always loud. Sometimes it is turning up when tired, listening to feedback, supporting a teammate or continuing to work when improvement takes time. As we move into Round 3, that same spirit must continue to shape the way we train, compete and support one another. 

Open Day and Villa Sport 

A sincere thank you to all staff, students and community members who supported Open Day this week. Villa Sport was strongly represented across the afternoon, with several of our First leaders, including many Firsts Captains, setting an excellent example in full Villa Sport game day kit through the way they welcomed families, interacted with visitors and represented the College. 

It was also wonderful to have the support of past students Cameron Buskowski and Ned Godwin, along with Marco from Athletix, Future Athletics, Pro Player Football, the Brisbane Broncos, the Dolphins and Brisbane Heat. Their presence added great energy to the afternoon and helped showcase the strength, connection and opportunity that exists within Villa Sport. 

Open Day was a clear reminder that our sporting program is built by many hands. Staff, coaches, students, Old Boys and external partners all play a role in creating a sporting culture our community can be proud of. Thank you to everyone who contributed so positively. 

Chess 

Our Chess players continue to build confidence and connection across the early rounds of the season. Friday afternoon presents another valuable challenge against Padua College, with all players encouraged to arrive focused, prepared and ready to compete with patience and respect. Thank you to Mrs Underhill and our coaching team for their continued guidance of the program. 

Football 

Across our Football program, the focus remains on improvement, effort and team-first habits. Round 3 against Padua College will test our ability to stay composed, compete for the full match and support one another in key moments. 

All players are reminded to arrive on time, wear the correct uniform and communicate any absences directly with their coach or coordinator. 

Rugby Union 

Our Rugby Union teams also face an important round against Padua College. These fixtures always provide a strong contest and a chance for our students to show courage, discipline and commitment in the green and gold. 

Players are reminded to prepare well, respect officials and support the teams playing before and after them where possible. 

Cross Country Update 

Our Cross Country runners continue their preparation for the upcoming AIC Championships. Thank you to Mr Pascoe and all support staff supporting the squad through training and lead-up meets. Consistent effort now will make a real difference when championship day arrives. 

Raising the Standard – Effort 

As we move into Round 3, our focus is simple: 

Training – attend consistently, prepare properly and bring energy to every session. 

Matchdays – arrive early, wear the correct uniform and represent Villanova College with pride. 

Behaviour – compete hard, respect officials and opposition, and show humility in every moment. 

Effort means giving your best, not only when things are going well, but when things are difficult, tiring or uncertain. Effort builds teams. Effort creates pride. Effort sets standards for others to follow. 

Thank You and Final Word 

Thank you to all players, coaches, staff and families for your continued support of Villa Sport. The work being done behind the scenes each week is greatly appreciated. 

This weekend, I encourage every student to be someone their team can rely on through effort, attitude and example. Round 3 is another chance to build momentum, strengthen connection and represent our college the right way. 

Go Villa! 💚💛 

Mr Matthew Hannan 

Director of Sport 

Green and Gold Recognition 

This term, Villanova Sport is continuing to grow our Green & Gold recognition initiatives, highlighting students and teams who represent the College with pride, effort, humility and strong team spirit. 

Through the Grill’d Green and Gold Player of the Week initiative, coaches are invited to nominate students who demonstrate our G.R.E.A.T.S. values through their attitude, effort, improvement or contribution to their team. 

Alongside this, we have recently launched the Grill’d Green and Gold Team of the Week initiative, which recognises teams who demonstrate outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship, connection and pride across the weekend. 

Following Round 1, this opportunity was offered to the following teams for Grill’d Green and Gold Team of the Week: 

Football: First XI, 8C and 8D
Rugby Union: First XV, 8C and 8D 

Students from these teams had the opportunity to receive a double pass for themselves and a parent to attend the recent Reds v Brumbies match. This was a fantastic example of how community partnerships can add value to the student experience and provide meaningful recognition beyond the school environment. 

We are grateful for the ongoing support of our community partners and look forward to continuing to create positive opportunities for students across Villa Sport. 

Congratulations to last week’s Grill’d Green and Gold Player of the Week (after Round 1) recipients: 

Cross Country
Year 5 – Joseph S.
Year 8 – Oscar G. 

Football
Year 5 – Hugo E.
Year 7 – Aidan J.
Year 8 – Tomas R.
Year 8 – Cooper B.
Year 9 – Ghen T.
Opens – James W.
Opens – Steven W. 

Rugby Union 
Year 5 – Angus C.
Year 5 – Jerahmy H.
Year 5 – Hugo B.
Year 6 – William M.
Year 7 – William M.
Year 7 – Zac B.
Year 9 – Fraser B.
Year 9 – Edward D.
Year 10 – Jordyn H.
Opens – Alexander B.
Opens – Harry W.
Opens – Darcy M. 

Congratulations to each of these students and teams for the way they represented Villanova College through effort, respect, teamwork and pride in the Green and Gold. This initiative will return after Round 3 next week. 

Go Villa! 💚💛 

Term 2 Results Tables 2026 

 2026 Chess Round 2.pdf 

 2026 Football Round 2.pdf 

 2026 Rugby Union Round 2.pdf 

Communications 

Families should access sports information via the Villanova College website and App. The Locker Room and Villanova College phone application will be relied on to provide key updates between Villa View Newsletter issues. All training and match changes or cancellations will be communicated via the Villanova College phone application.  

No Dog Policy 

A reminder that there is a NO DOG policy at all AIC sporting fixtures. Venue coordinators at and adjacent to Villa Park have reported that some pet owners are ignoring the gate signage. Pet owners who ignore the signs will be asked to remove their pets immediately. 

FIXTURES, RESULTS and TRAINING INFORMATION 

AIC Draw 2026 

Please find linked the AIC Draw for 2026.  

Training Schedules 

The Term 2 Weeks 2-8 Training Schedule has now been published to the Locker Room page. If any changes or cancellations occur, the Villanova College App will also be updated accordingly. 

Please note also: In the event of cancelled sessions or extremely poor weather, sessions may be adjusted or rescheduled where possible. Thank you for your understanding. 

Team Lists 

Team lists are published via Parent Lounge and Student Café. Chess team lists will be released by Thursday evening, with Rugby Union and Football published by Friday lunchtime ahead of the round. This is the earliest possible time this information can be finalised and shared. 

Key Links 

Sport Results – Associated Independent Colleges 

Trimester 2 Sport Uniforms 

Families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Villanova College Uniform Look Book. This information is found on the College website Uniform Shop page. Opening hours for the Uniform Shop can also be found here. All students selected in AIC teams are expected to wear the correct uniform for AIC fixtures each week.

SPORT-SPECIFIC UPDATES 

AIC Sport Contact List 

For information about a specific sport, please first visit the Locker Room page on our website. If you require further clarification, please contact the relevant Sport Coordinator, listed below. Until coach contacts become available online, please report training or game absences directly to the Sport Coordinator and relevant coach; available on Parent Lounge and Student Café. 

Trimester 2 Sports Coordinators: 

Chess Coordinator – Kath Underhill (kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Cross Country Coordinator – Brian Pascoe (bpascoe@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Football Coordinator – Wian Joubert (wian.joubert@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Rugby Union Coordinator – Chris Everding (ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Sport Office Administration: 

Sports Administrators – Angus Sullivan (angus.sullivan@vnc.qld.edu.au) and Maria Mascadri (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) only (mmascadri@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

AIC Sports Leader – Wian Joubert (wian.joubert@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Central Sharks District Sport – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au) and Wian Joubert (wian.joubert@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Assistant Director of Sport – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)  

Director of Sport – Matthew Hannan (matthew.hannan@vnc.qld.edu.au)  

Trimester 3 Sports Coordinators: 

Basketball Coordinator – Sharon Casey (sharon.casey@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Golf Coordinator – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Rugby League Coordinator – Wian Joubert (wian.joubert@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Tennis Coordinator – Angus Sullivan (angus.sullivan@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Track & Field Coordinator – Andrew Lund (andrew.lund@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Term 4: 

Touch Football Coordinator – Sports Office staff (SportsOffice@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Water Polo Coordinator – Lauren Robinson (lauren.robinson@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Trimester 1 Sports Coordinators: 

AFL Coordinator (Monday to Friday) – Brendon Brauer (brendon.brauer@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

AFL Coordinator (Saturday) – Chris Paterson (cpaterson@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Cricket Coordinator – Sports Office staff (SportsOffice@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Swimming Coordinators – Julie Colbert (jcolbert@vnc.qld.edu.au) & Lauren Robinson (lauren.robinson@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

Volleyball Coordinator – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au) 

It has been a positive start to Term 2 across the Chess program, with strong attendance and good focus at training. Last Friday, round 2 was our host round against St Edmunds College. A fabulous afternoon of chess, with our Villanovan boys playing with gusto, and listening to the advice of ‘taking your time!’  

The First IV have set a very strong early standard and it has been pleasing to see that approach reflected across the program. With only 1 conceded match on Friday, the Firsts ended with a 14-2 result, and we hope that continues!  Also worthy of note are our Intermediate A and B teams whose results were outstanding at 12-4 and 15-1! Junior A and B also had great wins with 10-6 and 11-5. Thank you to our coaches for their continued support and guidance of the boys, and to our wonderfully amazing Year 5 parent Carine, who has assisted with providing our Chess players a sumptuous afternoon tea. Also, thanks to the Sports Department who strongly assist in transforming Goold Hall from a hall to a Chess Stadium! 

As we head into Round 3 against Padua, the focus will be on preparation, patience and making good decisions under pressure. Players are encouraged to compete with respect and represent the College with pride. A strong start, with plenty of improvement still to come. This is a reminder to check Parent Lounge each Thursday after 6:00 pm to see if your son is playing that week. Cheers and Checkmate!  

Ms Kath Underhill, Chess Coordinator 

Cross Country training develops perseverance, consistency and a positive work ethic. Although participation has been strong, further runners in the Under 14, Under 15 and Under 16 age groups would benefit the squad. 

I encourage boys in these age groups, particularly students who are fit from playing other sports such as AFL, Rugby Union, Football or Basketball, to speak with Mr Roache or me about how they can get involved and improve their running fitness for their chosen sports. 

Several ‘Running Wildcats’ recorded great performances at the recent Queensland All Schools Cross Country in challenging conditions, 

Under 12 – Jack M. – 27th 

Under 14 – Oscar G. – 30th 

Under 15 – Harris M. – 6th 

Under 16 – Nathan H. – 11th 

Young Old Boy (’25) and current Cross Country Assistant Coach Bailey Horvath won the U20 event at the Queensland Short Course Cross Country. 

Congratulations to Harris, Jack and Bailey whose results earned them selection in the Queensland Cross Country Team to compete in Ballarat later in the year at the National Cross Country Titles. 

Unfortunately, due to the weather the first Cross Country Warm-up event was cancelled. The second Warm-up Meet has been re-scheduled to be raced at the St Laurence’s Sporting Fields Runcorn. This event is compulsory for those wanting to compete with Villanova’s Cross Country Team at the AIC Championships.  

The buses will leave Villa next Wednesday at 2:50pm and are expected to return to Villa by 6:00pm. Students who don’t have the Cross Country uniform yet are permitted to race in their sport uniform. 

If this event clashes with your training in other sports, please show courtesy and respect to the coach and teammates and inform them of your anticipated absence. 

Mr Brian Pascoe 

Cross Country Coordinator 

Being part of a team is important for many of our students, whether that be in their classes, the workplace or a sporting club. We have many players involved in Rugby this year and they should all be making the effort to stay behind or arrive early and support other teams in their year level and support all players who wear the Green and Gold. Team unity is a goal that we strive for but there were several teams on the weekend that were short of reserves as players from the previous game just left. Some teams struggled to finish their matches because they simply had no players to put on the field. Every player is to check with their year level coaches and bench for the next team. This is how you build relationships and show your support for your mates. You may not get on the field, but you are there supporting the next team and giving the coaches options for replacements if boys get injured. It is also the perfect opportunity to show the coaches what you can do, if they want you to play in a higher grade. 

The other concern at the moment is the number of boys not attending training. In some year levels, the number of boys listed does not match the number attending sessions. 

This places pressure on coaches, who leave work early to be at Villa Park and plan sessions based on expected numbers, only to have limited players attend. Students should not expect to take the field on match day if they are not making a genuine effort to attend training. 

All coaches are listed on Parent Lounge and Student Café. Please contact your coach directly if you cannot attend a training session, so they can plan accordingly. 

Red Cards 

Should a player be red carded at any stage throughout the season, they will incur an automatic one-match suspension. This is an AIC directive. 

As a College, we will meet with the player, the Director of Sport and the relevant Head of School following any red card to work through the incident, provide support, reinforce expectations and help the student move forward positively. 

Uniform Expectations – Players & Spectators

Several players in Year 8 and the Open Rugby teams, chose to wear the incorrect socks, shorts and/or jerseys last weekend. These boys were spoken to and have been told that if they do not have the correct playing uniform next week, they will not be taking the field. All players are to wear the complete Rugby and Football playing uniform. 

Please Note: 

• The Rugby and Football socks are the same 

• Students may train in any coloured gear, and we recommend not training in your Villanova playing uniform.  

• Squad shorts are not to be worn. 

Please note that all boys who attend the Year 9-12 Rugby and Football fixtures on the weekend as a spectator or player must wear the College academic uniform. Therefore, students are not permitted to attend their games wearing the playing uniform or casual clothes. If students intend to stay and support other teams at the Year 9-12 venue they must get changed into their academic uniform after their game, this includes ties and blazers for senior school students. 

Students who are playing at the Year 5-8 venue may be permitted to wear their playing uniform before and after their games. However, if the younger boys (Year 5-8) wish to travel and support the Year 9-12 matches, particularly the first games, they must change into the academic uniform.  

It is paramount that the parent body supports the College to ensure that these expectations are met. Wearing the correct uniform appropriately is the standard which is expected. 

Expectations of Villanova Students  

• All players to run on the field in a tidy manner. Socks pulled up! 

• We encourage all teams to chant the school war cry after the game (if victors) 

• All team members of the previous game are to stay behind and form a ‘run on’ tunnel for the next team before departing the ground. No one leaves until this is done. 

• Stay and be a reserve for the following team and support your mates. 

• As each boy wears the Villa uniform and is seen to be a representative of our fine College his conduct should be in keeping with the traditions and values we instil in our students. Inappropriate and unsportsmanlike behaviour on or off the field is not accepted. 

• Adherence to the spectator uniform policy regarding the wearing of the academic uniform. 

• Be welcoming of our guests from other Colleges and when at other Colleges please follow instructions on where to support from and be positive in your comments. 

• We expect 100% effort and a strong will/passion from all players to do well for the College, the team and yourselves – School Pride! 

• Commitment to the team and College throughout the entire season (making yourself available to play on long weekends, not pulling out etc.) 

• Attend games at least 45 minutes before kick-off to prepare well. Some coaches may require players to attend earlier. 

• Get involved and enjoy the time spent with friends and coaches. 

• Support the Villa Sports Club by purchasing food from the Villa Park canteens as the money raised helps to fund Villa Sport projects. 

• Boom boxes are not permitted during warm-ups or games. Please leave them at home or keep them switched off while preparing to play. 

Please remind your son’s that it is important to leave their areas clean after their games and it is not the responsibility of the groundsmen or coaches at Villa Park to clean up after them. We want them to leave their area as they found it. Hopefully that is in excellent condition. There are plenty of bins around and they don’t have to walk far to use them. 

 I challenge all Villa men to stand up and be counted this weekend to produce our very best on the paddock. Good luck to all! 

Round 2 Review v St. Edmund’s College: 

It was a successful day of Rugby at St. Edmund’s last week, with 18 wins and 5 losses in total and claiming 10 aggregate wins out of 11. The boys were putting behind them a tough round 1 and came out ready to play. From the early morning games, till the 1sts kicked off at 2:15pm, Villa performed well throughout the day. The 1st XV match saw a dominant display from our boys, and they dusted off the disappointment of last week’s narrow loss to SLC to be in a better frame of mind for their round 3 clash v Padua away this week. 

If parents or students have any questions about Rugby Union, please contact the following staff directly: 

Years 5-8 Rugby Union: Junior Coordinator – Mr Wian Joubert, wian.joubert@vnc.qld.edu.au  

Years 9-Opens Rugby Union: Rugby Union Coordinator – Mr Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au 

Mr Chris Everding 

Rugby Union Coordinator 

It was a strong weekend of Football, with 15 wins across the program. 

Congratulations to the First XI and Third XI, who both recorded excellent 3–0 wins. There were also standout results across the younger year levels, including 9A winning 9–2, 7B winning 7–1, 6C winning 9–0, and 5B recording an impressive 10–1 victory. 

A special mention also goes to the teams who remain undefeated across the last two rounds: 9A, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6E, 5A and 5D. These teams have shown great consistency and should be proud of their efforts. 

Overall, it was a great weekend with plenty of positive results and strong performances across multiple age groups. Well done to all players and coaches. 

Mr Wian Joubert 

Football Coordinator

Wet Weather Cancellations 

If there is any reason to cancel training sessions or weekend games, this information will be posted to the Villanova College phone application in the Notices section. Please ensure you have downloaded the Villanova College Application and updated your preferences and settings. 

Regional Sport 

In 2026, there have been some updates made to the School Sport Representative pathway. Villanova College now joins the Central Sharks district (former Composite & Lytton) for 10-19 Years Sport. 

Further information can be found on the Locker Room page including a current list of eligible sports. Eligible sports will be communicated via the Sports Bulletin and Morning Notices only. 

Central Sharks trial information (former Met East/Central): Paperwork for the following sports is now available from the Sports Office (located in Goold Hall). Nominations returned after the due date will not be submitted. 

Mr Todd Kropp, Regional Sport Coordinator 

Term 2 Speed & Agility Program 

Registrations are now open via Parent Lounge – a fantastic chance for students to sharpen their skills and build confidence! Sessions kicked off on Thursday of Week 2 (30 April). 

Details:
• Open to all students in Years 5–8
• Cost: $180 for 8 sessions delivered by elite-level coaches
• Day: THURSDAY mornings ONLY
• Time: 7:00am to 8:00am
• Venue: Whinstanes Oval
• Start Date: Week 2 – Thursday 30 April. 

This is a great opportunity to build speed, coordination and confidence in a dynamic and supportive setting. 

Please note: In the event of cancelled sessions or extremely poor weather, sessions may be adjusted or rescheduled where possible. Thank you for your understanding.