CultureCook Street United wrapped up 2025 in fitting fashion, combining strong end-of-year performances on the pitch with a full slate of festive events that brought the club’s growing community together.
A festive challenge on the turf
The celebrations began midweek on December 17, when players gathered at the Victoria High School soccer turf for a Christmas Challenge night. Things kicked off with a santa hat scrimmage (provided, of course). Later, players from across all five Cook Street teams took part in 15 football-based challenges, ranging from kick-ups and direct corner attempts to volleys, field goals, and accuracy tests.
The evening struck a balance between competition and fun, with prizes including lottery scratch cards, shin pads, chocolate, beer, and more. The overall winners were Clay Rach, Cook Street Albion coach, and Calvin Sytsma of Cook Street United. Special thanks go to Kyle McMorran and Phillip Diegnan, both injured Fernwood players, who helped organise and run the event despite being sidelined.
Christmas party on Yates Street
On December 18, more than 100 players, partners, and loved ones came together for the club’s Christmas party at the Interactivity Board Game Café on Yates Street. Players from across the club — Peacocks and their +1s alike — filled the venue for an evening of board games, conversation, and reflection on the year just gone.
A team trivia competition added a competitive edge, with the winning group earning Cook Street T-shirts. A huge thank-you goes to Bill Heaton, who generously hosted and helped make the night such a success.
A strong final gameweek
The final gameweek of the calendar year proved to be a positive one across the club, with results that reflected resilience, momentum, and belief heading into the winter break.
Cook Street United continued their push towards VISL division 1 with a hard-fought 1–0 win over SFFC Bandits, securing a back-to-back victory despite unjustly finishing the match with ten men. The result kept promotion ambitions firmly alive and capped off a gritty, disciplined performance.
Albion were on the road in Sidney against a very strong Peninsula side but came away with a valuable 1–0 win of their own. The match swung on a key moment, with Marc Chivilo saving a penalty and delivering another standout performance that earned him Man of the Match honours.
On Sunday, Fernwood were involved in an entertaining 2–2 draw with SFFC Internationals. Despite creating several clear chances and coming close to taking all three points, the side had to settle for a draw — still a solid result and a fair reflection of their competitiveness on the day.
Soul rounded out the weekend in style, staying top of Division 4 with an excellent 1–0 victory over league favourites Lakehill Joes. It was a statement result that underlined Soul’s consistency and belief as the season heads toward its second half.
Results
- United 1–0 SFFC Bandits
- Albion 1–0 Peninsula
- Fernwood 2–2 SFFC Internationals
- Soul 1–0 Lakehill Joes
Heading into the break
With strong results, festive football, and a packed social calendar, Cook Street United closed out the year in the best possible way. As the club heads into the holiday break, the focus shifts briefly from league tables to rest, recovery, and celebration — before returning refreshed and ready to chase what everyone secretly wants in the new year: a little bit of silverware.
