Both communities of St Andrew’s Anglican College and Matthew Flinders Anglican College came together for a spirited afternoon of sport at Flinders in Buderim on Saturday, 14 March to launch the Archbishop’s Cup.
The new inter-college sporting exchange will be held once each semester, with the two schools alternating as host, creating a shared tradition that students, staff, families and the wider community can enjoy competing in and supporting.
The inaugural Archbishop’s Cup saw the two schools go head-to-head in Senior mixed tennis, Under-15 rugby and Senior netball across the Flinders campus. Supporters followed the action between venues including the Flinders Tennis Courts, the Anthony Vincent Oval and the indoor Sports Centre, creating a vibrant atmosphere of friendly competition.
Flinders Head of Sport Mr Adam Ridgewell said the new signature event was an opportunity to bring the Anglican communities of Flinders and St Andrew’s together through the lens of sport.
“We were thrilled to have more than 200 supporters, including Old Flinderians, attend the first Archbishop's Cup and cheer on the student athletes across the three sports,” Mr Ridgewell said. “This event provides another opportunity for young people to compete in the sports they love while developing teamwork, resilience and confidence.
“We thank St Andrew’s Anglican College for joining us in launching this new tradition.”
The afternoon concluded with presentations and a community sausage sizzle hosted by the Old Flinderians’ Association (Flinders alumni), providing a relaxed opportunity for players and supporters from both schools to celebrate the success of the inaugural event together.
The Cup was presented by The Venerable Dr Lucy Morris, Priest-in-Charge of The Parish of Buderim and Archdeacon of the Sunshine Coast, and accepted on behalf of the Flinders community by College Vice Captain Alana Bird.
Some of the student athletes then went on to play in the basketball exhibition match between the current Senior Mixed Basketball team versus a team of Old Flinderians, involving graduates from as far back as the Flinders Class of 1996 as well as parents of Old Flinderians. A tiring Old Flinderians team held on for a win against fast-charging students.
St Andrew’s Anglican College in Peregian Springs will host the next Archbishop’s Cup in Semester Two.
Back to Flinders Reunion | Saturday, 14 March
Coinciding with the Archbishop’s Cup was the College’s annual Back to Flinders celebration, held each year on the birthday of explorer Matthew Flinders. The event warmly welcomes alumni back to campus and offers the community an opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the enduring Flinders spirit.
The day featured a lively program of activities, including the exhibition sporting matches, the basketball game between current students and Old Flinderians, and the Music Program’s first concert of the 2026 season, Immerse.
In the evening, alumni from the Classes of 1996, 2006 and 2016 gathered in the Performance Centre for reunion celebrations, rounding out a memorable day of connection and community.
