School sport culture: more than a buzzword

In schools and sporting communities, the word ‘culture’ is often thrown around – by students, staff and parents alike. It’s used to describe everything from team spirit to leadership, but what does it actually mean in the context of sport?

At its core, sport culture refers to the shared values, behaviours and environment that shape how sport is experienced within a community. It’s about more than just winning – it’s about creating a space where individuals feel a pride of place, a sense of belonging and a connection to something greater than themselves.

A strong sport culture fosters:

• community: a united group working toward shared goals
• identity: pride in representing a team, school or club
• growth: development of character, leadership and resilience.

Research shows that a positive sport culture can also significantly impact student development in several ways. Their academic performance can improve due to the teamwork and discipline learnt that translates into classroom success. A positive culture impacts mental health, as sport provides emotional resilience and a sense of purpose. It can also help them develop their social skills: athletes learn empathy, leadership and collaboration.

Best sporting cultures: what do they look like?

Two of the most iconic examples of elite sporting cultures are the Australian Women’s Cricket Team and the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team.

Australian Women’s Cricket Team: inclusive and empowering team culture

The Australian Women’s Cricket Team have set a global benchmark for sustained on-field success in all formats of the game. Their culture is built on:

• High standards and professionalism – players are known for keeping each other accountable, fostering a competitive environment where effort and commitment is expected and valued
• Mental toughness – their dominance in ICC tournaments, including multiple World Cup wins reflects a culture of excellence and adaptability
• Advocacy and leadership beyond the game – the team actively support gender equality through partnerships like Appeal Appeal with UNICEF Australia
• Inclusive and empowering team environment – coaches like Matthew Mott continually reinforce the values of respect, accountability and continuous improvement.

New Zealand All Blacks: legacy and leadership

The All Blacks are widely considered the most successful sports team in history, with a win rate of over 77% since 1903. Their culture is built on:

• Humility, excellence and respect
• ‘Leave the jersey in a better place’ – a mindset that every player is a custodian of the team’s legacy
• Leadership through service – players ‘sweep the sheds’ (locker room) after games to reinforce humility and accountability.

The All Blacks also embrace change and innovation, constantly evolving while staying true to their core values. Their culture is not just about winning – it’s about learning, adapting and contributing to a legacy that transcends the individual.

How can we improve sport culture?

Improving sport culture requires intentional action. Here are some of the actions we aim to do at Carey:

• Define and live our core values: co-create values with students and staff and embed them in daily practice.
• Celebrate all contributions: recognise effort, attitude and growth – not just performance.
• Foster leadership: empower students to lead, mentor and shape the culture.
• Create inclusive environments: ensure all students feel welcome, regardless of skill level.
• Engage the wider community: involve families, alumni and local partners to build pride and support.
• Align sport with educational goals: treat sport as not only competition, but as a tool for development, incorporating Complex Competencies, life lessons and the School values.

Sport culture is more than a catchphrase – it’s the heartbeat of a thriving team. When done right, it builds character, community and lifelong connections. By learning from elite programs like the Australian Women’s Cricket Team and the All Blacks, and applying those principles in our own settings, we can create environments where sport becomes a powerful force for growth and belonging.

Jack Joslin
Head of Sport and Activities