As we reach the end of 2025, I look back with immense pride at what has been one of the strongest and most inspiring sporting years in the history of our Junior College. Our students have shown determination, resilience, heart, and true Woodlands spirit across every code. The depth and breadth of achievement this year is so significant that I could barely fit every highlight into one message — and that, in itself, speaks volumes about our progress.
Below are some of the standout moments that made 2025 unforgettable.
🏃♂️ Cross Country
Cross country continues to be our largest and most passionately supported sport. Week after week at Boksburg Stadium, our runners showed incredible discipline and grit.
- 29 runners qualified for Boksburg Champs
- 21 runners advanced to District Champs
These results highlight the commitment and competitive strength of our athletes. I could not be prouder.
⛳ Golf
Golf remains a sport of precision, patience, and mental strength — and our players continue to rise to the challenge.
A special acknowledgement goes to Reuben, who placed in the top 16 out of 150 competitors, securing a well-earned spot in the provincial squad. This is the second consecutive year that Woodlands has achieved provincial representation in golf — a wonderful milestone.
🏊 Swimming
Following our promotion in 2025 from the C-League to the B-League, our goal this year was clear: stay in the B-League and continue to grow.
With two teams competing this season, more students than ever embraced the opportunity to represent Woodlands in the pool:
- The A-team delivered strong performances and successfully retained our place in the B-League for 2026
- The B-team showed courage and resilience, often competing against other schools’ A-teams
As Alexander Popov once said: “The water is your friend… You don’t have to fight it.” Our swimmers truly lived this truth.
🎾 Tennis
Both our boys’ and girls’ teams represented Woodlands with dedication in the Gauteng East Tennis League. Their consistent training and growing confidence have laid a strong foundation for what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.
🏑 Hockey
Hockey momentum grew exceptionally this year.
Highlights include:
- A memorable U13 girls’ Midlands tour
- The addition of two new U10 girls’ teams
- Both boys’ teams reaching the playoffs, with U11 narrowly missing the finals
- Hosting our first U13 Woodlands Tournament, where our boys placed 3rd and our girls finished runners-up
- Phadimo awarded Player of the Tournament
Overall, we proudly celebrate:
- 9 provincial players
- 4 national event players
- 5 regional players
This is a phenomenal achievement for our Junior College.
🏏 Cricket
Our boys’ and girls’ cricket teams thrived in the new private school league, enjoying more competitive and evenly matched fixtures. Skills improved significantly, confidence grew, and the enthusiasm for cricket continues to rise — especially with Camp Discovery 2026 ahead.
⚽ Football, ☄ Athletics, 🏀 Basketball & More
Across the College, our sports programme reached new heights:
- Our 1st team football achieved their best-ever finish at the St Peter’s Tournament
- Our U15 football team reached two semifinals
- Our swimmers competed at Midmar Mile for the first time, achieving several 2nd-place finishes
- We celebrated provincial athletes in athletics, cross country, and hockey
- At Derby Day, our Woodlands spirit was unmatched — and we won the majority of fixtures
- Our 1st teams this year received a new, prestigious playing kit
- Basketball continued to grow, with our first home match hosted in Matthews Hall
- Our golfers prepared for both the Sun City Tournament and our signature Woodlands Junior Masters at Serengeti
🙏 A Word of Thanks
As 2025 draws to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude:
- To our coaching and management team — your passion and hard work shape our athletes into confident, capable young sportsmen and women.
- To our parents and supporters — thank you for your dedication, your encouragement, and the many hours spent on the sidelines.
- And to our athletes — thank you for your courage, your discipline, and the pride with which you represent Woodlands. You inspire us every day.
As we look ahead to 2026, I encourage every student to keep setting bold goals, keep showing up, and keep believing in what they can become.
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
Warm regards,
Mr Spear Nala
Head of Sport – Junior College
Woodlands International College
