Haileybury’s new sports strategy rewrites what it means to ‘win’ with a million high five moments

Giving each student a high five as they arrive for their sports lesson or after a match may seem like a simple gesture, but it packs a powerful punch and is at the heart of Haileybury’s bold new sports strategy.

Over the next five years, the sports program will deliver a million high five moments to ensure every student feels seen, valued and connected to sport – whether they are part of the 1^st football or cricket team, are umpiring a Middle School match, join a Pilates or rock-climbing class, or are a member of the school’s equestrian team.

“Our ambition is to create an environment where every student, regardless of their ability, forms a meaningful relationship with physical activity that extends well beyond their time at school. We want to foster a lifelong love of sport – we don’t want the end of school to be the end of a young person’s sporting experience,” explains Matt Dwyer, Head of Sport at Haileybury.

Much more than winning

For decades, school sport has largely been defined by one thing: winning. This still matters at Haileybury, but it is part of a larger, more inclusive picture. The new five-year sports strategy is a genuine rethinking of what sport means and what it can do for a young person’s life long after they leave school.

It defines five key ‘personas’ that highlight the different ways in which different students may engage with sport. These are the ‘aspiring star’ who is driven by performance and progress, the ‘team player’ for whom sport is about competing and belonging and the ‘wellness seeker’ who values fitness and routine and who is active beyond school.

The sports strategy recognises students who take part in sports activities for fun and connection – the ‘social set’ who prefer low-pressure environments and who are open to trying new activities. The new strategy also makes space for students who are still finding their way and who are not yet engaged in sport but who can explore and find their niche.

The strategy also understands that not every student’s place is on the pitch, in the pool or on the athletics track, so opportunities are being created for young people to be involved in sport through roles such as coaching, umpiring, using technology and data analytics and event management.

However, the strategy continues to bolster Haileybury’s reputation for nurturing talented sportsmen and women. Currently, 25 alumni compete in US colleges or elite European teams and 72 Haileybury students have gone on to play VFL or AFL/ AFLW football, including Jack Gunston, Bella Eddey, Angus Brayshaw and Max and Ben King. Alumni are also playing cricket and soccer internationally, too.

Transforming the landscape moment by moment

The sports strategy will transform Haileybury’s sporting landscape so students participate, grow and achieve their personal best on and off the field.

Key to this is the one million high five moments – quick and simple touchpoints with passionate and experienced coaching staff that let students know they are an important part of the sports community, whatever their role or ability.

The strategy switches up how the school measures sporting achievement – it will no longer just be by trophies and titles, but the accumulation of moments where students feel encouraged, included and inspired through their individual relationship with sport.

“Some students will have a goal to be an Olympian or to play soccer or cricket for Australia, and we believe that Haileybury can play a key role in supporting those ambitions,” says Matt.

“We will drive stronger partnerships with elite teams and structured talent development pathways to ensure our athletes maximise those opportunities, as well as APS and AGV competition. Camps and tours are a wonderful way to develop our talented players and trips such as the IMG Academy tour later this year will give students the opportunity to live like an elite athlete, as well as explore opportunities within US College pathways.”

Playing and loving sport – whatever that sport is

“We also want to support students who simply want to play the sport they love as best they can. Equally, we want to recognise kids who want to be active and who don’t want to pursue traditional team sports and who find activities like Pilates or rock-climbing more to their liking.

“The new strategy is a broader repositioning of sport as a central pillar of Haileybury’s identity and value proposition that can strengthen community connections and deliver a more holistic student experience.”

Coaching is one of the key components of the player experience. At Haileybury, some of Australia’s top sportspeople coach and inspire students at all year levels. These include former Essendon Football Club player, Matthew Lloyd, Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury, former Melbourne Victory head coach, Grant Brebner, and two-time table tennis Olympian, David Powell.

Coached by the best

Melissa Barbieri, Australian international goalkeeper and most-capped Matilda, is helping Haileybury girls at all levels to develop their soccer skills. Former Olympian, Craig Mottram, has been appointed Head Coach of Haileybury’s Athletics Program and former Australian cricketers Brad Hodge and Bob Quiney, coach the Haileybury boys cricket team.

Former Melbourne and Geelong Football Club player, Jared Rivers, and the Western Bulldogs, Nicole Callinan, are working with our Middle School girl footballers.

Their focus will be in creating inclusive teams, encouraging students to give their best effort regardless of the level of competition, improving skills and capability and ensuring the sports program is founded on enjoyment and participation.

“Every student, regardless of their ability, deserves access to the best,” says Matt.

As the sports strategy rolls out across the school and sport becomes an authentic and inclusive experience for every student, look out for those powerful one million HY FIVE moments. They will be fleeting but have a lasting impact.