The 2026 FIFA world cup has commenced, and the complex mix of sport, community, politics and entertainment become a focus for much of the world.
Historically, sport has played a role in diplomacy and normalcy between nations. After World War 2, the 1948 Ashes tour lead by Don Bradman became a signal that the days of war had left. With conflict still raging in the Middle East and Ukraine, it seems harder and harder to for sport to play that healing role in the world.
Watching the Socceroos play against the world’s best always helps fill me with a sense of pride in the Australian sporting tradition. For such a small and far away country to compete on the international stage, when so many other countries miss out, it’s a special form of national legacy that continues.
During the World Cup, many Kolbe families will be studying the different time zones and setting of alarms to watch our favourite teams. If you do take some time over the next few weeks to watch a match, there are lessons that sport can help teach us about how to live our lives.
Pope Leo has begun his Apostolic Journey in Spain, offering these words:
“Soccer reminds us of something we must not forget: life is not a race to show off on our own, but a path we learn to walk together. Anyone who does not know how to pass the ball, even if they have talent, has not yet understood the game. Anyone who does not know how to live with and for others has not yet understood life.”
There are so many gifts and talents within the Kolbe community, and when reflecting on soccer it should remind us that our journey through school or life is not one we walk alone. Mr. Brendan Bomford our Director of Campus Ministry reminded me that a team succeeds through trust, encouragement and selflessness, and we need to recognise that our Kolbe community is strongest when we work together and support one another.
There have been some excellent examples of teamwork at Kolbe this past week, including the revival of a Kolbe Hockey Squad, a stormy AFL match afterschool, joyful rehearsals for the musical Beauty and the Beast (get your tickets here!), and the Year 7 Ignite week teaching collaboration and communication skills. None of these events could be completed alone. They take the combination of talent, pursing excellence as a community rather than an individual, elevating us all.
In the final four weeks this term, I hope we can listen generously, share our gifts freely, and remain focused on the mission entrusted to us at Kolbe. May we not be motivated by individual recognition for ourselves alone, but instead look for opportunities to encourage, include and serve others.
In this Franciscan Jubilee Year, teach us to be people of peace, fraternity and hope, always willing to “pass the ball” and help others flourish. And finally, Go Socceroos!