Sports | ACG Parnell

Nurturing Athletic Potential and Wellbeing

At ACG Parnell, we believe physical activity is essential to student wellbeing, supporting not only physical health but also mental and emotional resilience. From an early age, students are encouraged to take part in both team and individual sports, as well as a wide range of fitness programmes, with opportunities to compete at various levels throughout their school journey.

Our comprehensive sports programme welcomes students of all abilities — from those pursuing high-performance athletics to those interested in recreational fitness. Every child is encouraged to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and embrace an active lifestyle. Whether competing at a national level or simply enjoying the camaraderie of team sports, all students benefit from expert coaching and mentorship provided by our professional staff and dedicated volunteers, many of whom are alumni giving back to the school community.

Building Character & Life Skills Through Competitive Sport

Through participation in sport, students develop essential life skills and values such as commitment, teamwork, resilience, perseverance, respect, loyalty, and integrity. These qualities reflect our school’s ethos and prepare students for success beyond the classroom. Our approach prioritises physical exercise as a key factor in mental and psychological wellbeing, with a special emphasis on the importance of team sports for healthy teenage development.

We believe sport offers invaluable lessons that go beyond physical fitness. Through competitive play, students learn to manage pressure, collaborate effectively, and build the mental resilience necessary for success in both academic and personal life. By fostering inclusive participation, we ensure every student can benefit—regardless of their skill level or experience.

Celebrating Student Sporting Achievements

We are proud to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our student-athletes across a wide range of sports. Our students have broken national records at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Swimming Championships, won gold medals in fencing, and earned top rankings in competitive tennis circuits. Others have represented New Zealand in table tennis and downhill mountain biking at international events, while our basketball teams have claimed championship titles through teamwork and determination.

These achievements are made possible through our Elite Sports Programme, which offers expert coaching, flexible academic pathways, and strong pastoral support. Whether competing nationally or on the world stage, ACG Parnell students demonstrate the resilience, discipline, and leadership that define success. We are proud to foster a culture where sporting excellence thrives alongside academic achievement.

Discover Our Comprehensive Sports Offering

With over 30 activities on offer, our extensive sports programme* ensures every student can discover their passion and develop individual talents. Available sports range from traditional team games and individual pursuits to specialist activities such as archery, gymnastics, athletics, handball, badminton, hockey, cricket, cross country, orienteering, cheerleading, rowing, cycling, snow sports, distance running, swimming, table tennis, tennis, fitness clubs, triathlon, touch rugby, futsal, volleyball, golf, and weightlifting.

For Year 7 and 8 students, additional opportunities arise through the New Zealand AIMS Games and Eastern Zone one-day tournaments. These events provide valuable competitive experience at national and regional levels, complementing our regular sports programme and offering pathways for talented young athletes to showcase their skills.

Students are encouraged to share their sporting interests with us. We are always open to expanding our programme, ensuring our programme continues to inspire and engage all students.

*Our Primary School Sports Programme is currently run by Kelly Sports, which offers a variety of different after-school sports each term.

Football

Football opportunities are available for all abilities from Years 7-13, with pathways designed to accommodate every skill level. Our teams compete in the College Sport Auckland Saturday League for boys and midweek competitions for girls, with matches held at various school venues across Auckland.

Year 7 and 8 students can participate in the Eastern Zones Tournament and are encouraged to join Junior College teams in Saturday competitions. This structured approach ensures younger players develop fundamental skills while experiencing competitive play appropriate to their age group.

Basketball

Our basketball programme spans multiple age divisions, with girls and boys teams competing in the Auckland Secondary Schools' competitions at the U19, U17, and Junior (Year 9/10) levels. For younger students, our Intermediate teams participate in the Year 7/8 Next Level Basketball Competition, ensuring age-appropriate development opportunities.

Open to all students in Years 7-13, our basketball programme begins with training and trials in Term 1, followed by the commencement of games in Term 2. Whether pursuing elite-level competition or simply enjoying the sport recreationally, we emphasise skill development, teamwork, and nurturing a genuine passion for the game.

Netball

As our most popular girls' sport, netball sees at least five teams representing the school each year across Years 7-13. Senior teams (Years 11-13) and Junior teams (Years 9-10) take to the courts on Saturday mornings from 8am, while Intermediate teams (Years 7-8) compete on Tuesday afternoons.

Boys in Years 7 and 8 can also get involved through our Intermediate teams on Tuesday evenings or by representing the school in the Eastern Zone tournament. All matches are played at the state-of-the-art Auckland Netball Centre in St John's, providing our students with access to high-quality facilities that support skill development and competitive play.

Get Involved

The support of our community plays a vital role in strengthening our sports programme. We warmly welcome parents and community members who wish to contribute through coaching, management, or volunteer positions. Our thriving sports community has an active Facebook and Instagram. groups where families can stay informed about team updates, fixtures, and achievements.

Visit our sports website to learn more

Discover how our extensive sports programme empowers your child to thrive—physically, mentally, and socially—through expert coaching and a culture of excellence.

Enquire Now