Just as Newington is a vibrant, caring and courageous College for every learner, we also offer sporting opportunities for every aspiration and ability. The only AAGPS school to field teams in all 12 official GPS sports*, including a 1st and 2nd side in every sport, Year 7 students, Charlie, Lloyd and Axel, ruminate on starting their sporting journey here.

Charlie K began at Newington this year. A keen competitive swimmer, Charlie, who performed well in the recent 13 years Age Swimming Championships, is hoping his love of the water will also open new sporting doors. 

‘The new sport I am most interested in trying is rowing,’ he says.  

‘I already swim compeititively and I think the sports will complement each other. In my Senior years, I want to make the 1st Water Polo team and go on tour.’ 

Swimming his way to success in the pool has also been an ice breaker for Charlie in his first weeks at the College. 

‘Sport at Newington has been great for making new friends that enjoy doing the same sports I do. Being a good sportsman at Newington to me is choosing the team first and building people up when they’re down.’ 

Out of the pool, Charlie is a keen trombonist and is planning to get involved with the College’s extensive Music and co-curricular Music program. 

‘I’ve been playing for a couple of years now, and I am looking forward to improving my skills and maybe trying some different instruments in my time at Newington.’ 

Meanwhile, Lloyd R is new to Year 7 but not new to Newington. Lloyd started at Wyvern House Prep in Year 4 where he played rugby and water polo. Now attending the Senior campus alongside his older brother, who is in Year 9, Lloyd is most excited about trying new things. 

‘I feel playing sport at the Senior school will help me by getting me fit and playing well, and touch rugby in summer is something I feel will be fun because I’ve never played. I know Newington has good coaches who teach you how to play,’ says Lloyd. 

Like Charlie, Lloyd is aiming for participation and performance through his sporting journey at Newington, as well as trying out other co-curricular pathways.  

‘I would like to make new friends in sport and I would like to get better at it and learn more about the tactics of the sports I play. I also want to try out drama here. Last year when I was in Year 6 (at Wyvern) we did the musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and it was really fun.’ 

Keen sportsman and new to Newington student, Axel S says for him, demonstrating good sportsmanship at Newington is about effort.  

‘In my opinion a good sportsperson means showing sportsmanship no matter the result of the game you just played,’ he says. 

‘Also putting in effort is essential for a good sportsperson. They turn up to training on time, being excited to learn new things and being the best they can be.’ 

Cricket and rugby are high on Axel’s sporting wish list. 

‘I have always wanted to play cricket. I enjoy watching it and playing backyard cricket with my family and friends, but I’ve never been able to play because of other sports. I would also like to have a go at rowing.’ 

Thinking longer term, Axel’s goal one day is to make the 1st XV Rugby team. 

‘I have always wanted to make the 1st XV in Rugby and play on Johnson Oval on Back to Newington Day in front of the whole school,’ he says.  

Meanwhile, Axel’s mum has suggested Axel might like to give another co-curricular activity at Newington a whirl. 

‘I am interested in trying Drama. My mum says I’m a bit dramatic so I could be quite good, and I’m considering giving that a go.’ 

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* AAGPS sports Newington competes in are Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Football, Rifle Shooting, Rowing, Rugby, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball and Water Polo. 

 For more information about the sports on offer at Newington, visit: https://www.newington.nsw.edu.au/co-curricular/sport/