Playing sport at Radford
Radford College offers a vast array of sports and physical activities for students. Every weekend in Winter, it is not hard to spot a Radford team competing on the many playing fields and courts in Canberra. We currently have:
- 46 teams playing the ACT Junior Basketball and Premier League Competitions
- 28 teams playing in the ACT Capital Football Junior League and National Premier League
- 17 teams playing the North Canberra Netball Competition
- 4 tennis teams playing in the ACT Tennis Junior Pennant Competition
- 2 teams playing in the ACT Junior Rugby Union Competition.
The College also has students participating in Radford Athletics, Cricket, Equestrian, Girls Make Your Move, Mountain Biking, Orienteering, Rowing, Snowsports, Tennis coaching, and the K-2 Fundamental Movement Skills programs – overall, there are 1200+ students taking part in a Winter sports program.
Parents and caregivers have a unique opportunity to help their children develop life-long engagement and enjoyment with sport and physical activity by offering encouragement and support.
When children in sport perceive parental involvement as positive, they are more likely to enjoy their sporting experience. Furthermore, in terms of child development, positive parental involvement can help nurture important skills such as self-esteem, motivation, and social skills.
As a sports educator, a parent myself, and even being involved in Olympic and Paralympic sport, there are so many wonderful moments parents and caregivers can witness by being involved in their child’s sporting journey:
- Watching your child try something new and succeed in it is better than being a parent on Christmas morning – a new skill, making a great defensive play, blocking a shot, and hitting a great serve – they are all worthwhile achievements.
- Seeing your child grow and develop over a season in terms of technical ability, socialising with their teammates, demonstrating teamwork and sportsmanship, and respecting their coach are all things to be extremely proud of.
- Witnessing a moment when your child demonstrates honesty, integrity, humility, and discipline.
- Seeing how much a game may mean to your child and supporting them through the wins and losses. A great piece of advice that I carry close to me is ‘losing always equals learning’.
Radford sport also provides the platform for parents and caregivers to join a great school community. Standing on the sidelines on a foggy Canberra Saturday morning with the other parents is a fantastic way to build new relationships, share stories and support your child and their team.
The secret to it all is that sport is fun. But to continue to make it enjoyable for your child (and yourself), here are just a few reminders:
- On game day, arrive at the time identified by your child’s coach – this is an important part of being in a team.
- Winter mornings are cold – students are to wear their PE/Sports uniform to the game to keep warm.
- All Radford students playing sport should develop the habit of always having a drink bottle at a training / game. Staying hydrated can help reduce muscle fatigue and the risk of injury.
- The coach’s role is to help students with their skill development and provide technical direction – we do ask that parents stand away (even on the opposite side of the field) from the team box / bench.
- We enjoy having parents and caregivers at the games and supporting their child. For K-6 students, we do encourage that each child is accompanied by their parent at games. If you are unable to do so, please ensure that the team manager is aware of this, and arrive on time to collect your child immediately following the match.
- When you have some time during the week and on weekends, get out in the backyard, go to the local fields/courts and just play, shoot and kick around with your child – you and your child will love it.
If you have any questions regarding Radford Sport, please do not hesitate to contact Megan Fritsch, Head of Sport, at Megan.Fritsch@radford.act.edu.au.