Orange is the new black today as Kicky comes to St Cuthbert’s

Published June 23, 2023

St Cuthbert’s College Junior football fans hit fever pitch this morning when the Netherlands Women’s football team mascot, Kicky, joined them for a Jump Jam session at school. Kicky then played goalkeeper while our students took a chance at scoring. They were in auspicious company with recent St Cuthbert’s graduate, and Kiwi Football Ferns forward, Ava Collins giving tips on accurate shooting.

Football is a fast-growing and popular sport at St Cuthbert’s. Director of Sport, Liz Howard says, “Football has gained a lot of momentum in recent years and it is amazing for our students to see women’s football of the calibre of the world cup, right here in Auckland.”

“St Cuthbert’s is passionate about girls’ participation in sport, as it is such an important vehicle to develop resilience and life-long lessons in teamwork and collaboration. It is also so important to develop confidence and encourage students to enjoy fitness for life.”

St Cuthbert’s is deeply committed to ensuring our students participate in sports and are encouraged to adopt a philosophy of ‘Sport for Life’ and so was delighted to welcome the Dutch Embassy and their mascot Kicky, along with Ava Collins to the College this morning.

“We are excited to welcome the Dutch women / Orange Lionesses to Aotearoa New Zealand. We are thrilled the Dutch team will be part of this World Cup, the biggest women’s sporting event held in AUS and NZ. I strongly remember how the Dutch team empowered and inspired so many girls and women during the World Cup in 2019. The impact of this World Cup on the inclusion of women and girls in sports all across the world will be beyond imagination. Many thanks to St Cuthbert’s for hosting Kicky!” says Chargée d’affaires Maartje ten Brummelaar of the Netherlands Embassy in Wellington.

Ava Collins left St Cuthbert’s three years ago. Since then the 21-year-old Aucklander, who has 11 Ferns caps, is living the dream in New York, studying television and film and French while on a football scholarship at St John’s University. Ava joined in the Women’s Football fun today with Kicky the Dutch lioness and loved being back on campus. Ava says, “St Cuthbert’s holds so many fond memories for me so it was fantastic to be back today. My love of football started at St Cuthbert’s and I’m looking forward to doing the school proud in the upcoming Women’s World Cup”.

From July 20 to August 20, the world’s best female footballers will descend on Australia and New Zealand for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Follow Kicky and the Dutch team @orange.fans.ausnz on social media and get ready for football fever!