On November 7, nine bilingual primary schools from across Victoria competed in the first Bilingual Soccer World Cup.
Among those taking to the field were students from Brunswick South and Footscray, who brought a strong sense of Italian style, sportsmanship and competitiveness onto the pitch.
A group of bilingual schools in Victoria has formed an informal network: the Bilingual School Network.
The network is made up of principals, program coordinators and teachers, with the aim of exchanging ideas and sharing best practice across schools.
From this collaboration came the idea of organising the Bilingual Soccer World Cup, a way to spend an exciting day together while giving students the opportunity to meet other children who share the same bilingual learning experience.
Jack Laing, sports teacher at Brunswick South, expressed great satisfaction with his students’ performance.
“The Bilingual Soccer World Cup was an outstanding day celebrating sport, language and community spirit,” he said.
“Our students were fantastic: they showed great teamwork, proud and enthusiastic support, and encouraged one another throughout all the matches.”
“It was wonderful to see all the bilingual schools come together and connect through football and language,” Laing added.
“… the two [Italian] schools wrapped up the day with a friendly match full of smiles, chants and genuine fair play.”
