Auckland Park Preparatory School (APPS) recently enjoyed an exciting start to the football season, as their girls took to the fields at The Ridge School for a festival of football alongside Salvazione Christian School and St Katharine’s School.
Hosted by The Ridge School, the event was especially significant as all three participating schools proudly support Salvazione, making the day a celebration of partnership as much as sport.

The teams were evenly matched, producing entertaining contests filled with determination, enthusiasm, and plenty of memorable moments. Inspired by the recent FIFA World Cup, many of the players arrived eager to try the skills, passes, and attacking play they had watched from the world’s best players. It made for exciting football and an encouraging glimpse of the sporting talent developing across the schools.

While the scores reflected closely contested matches, the real success of the day was the spirit in which the games were played. Encouragement and respect were evident throughout as the girls played together, proving once again that school sport is about far more than the final whistle.

“The first fixture of the season is always about learning,” said Dot Hartmann, head of sport at Auckland Park Preparatory School. “It was wonderful to see our girls stepping onto the field with such enthusiasm, trying new skills and growing in confidence with every game. With this kind of attitude and commitment, I have no doubt we’re in for an outstanding soccer season.”

Headmistress Joanne Glendinning reflected on the significance of the day beyond the football field. “One of the greatest strengths of school sport is its ability to build bridges between young people. Our partnership with Salvazione is about far more than playing matches; it is about creating opportunities, sharing experiences, and demonstrating that respect and inclusion extend well beyond the classroom. We are grateful to The Ridge School for hosting such a memorable day and for providing an opportunity for these relationships to continue to grow.”

With the football season now underway, APPS is looking forward to an exciting third term of sport.

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