CultureAs 2025 gets underway, Cook Street United is starting the year in a way that will feel familiar to many across the club. Before boots go back on and league football resumes, players have already come together through a mix of shared challenge, long standing traditions, and a strong sense of community.
A bracing start at Willows
The year began with a New Year’s Day ocean dip at Willows Beach, where several Cook Street players took on the cold Pacific waters to mark the reset. It was not for everyone, but those who did brave the swim were rewarded with cheers, laughter, and the unmistakable feeling of having done something memorable together.
There were no times, no targets, and no expectations. Just players, supporters, and a shared moment that set the tone for the year ahead. It was equal parts challenging and light hearted, and a reminder that not everything the club does needs to involve a ball.
Another successful beer advent calendar
As the ocean dip wrapped up the physical reset, the conclusion of the Cook Street Beer Advent Calendar marked the end of one of the club’s most loved annual traditions.
Each year, participating players submit a unique beer, enough for everyone involved. Those beers are then individually wrapped, numbered, and distributed so that every participant receives a crate of mystery beers to enjoy throughout December. On each day, the player who selected that beer shares why they chose it, what to expect, and why it matters to them personally.
Once again, the entire process was made possible by Brandon Johnson, Albion player and assistant coach, who took on the enormous task of wrapping, numbering, and organising more than 300 beers. It is a significant amount of work, carried out quietly and with care, and it underpins the success of the whole tradition.
At the end of the month, players voted across a range of categories to reflect on the experience.
The Worst Beer Award went to the Shaft Coffee Stout from Whistle Buoy, submitted by Graham Dufort. Despite finishing with the lowest average score, it still managed to collect a couple of five star ratings.
The Most Divisive Beer Award was claimed by Calvin Sytsma for Stoutnik by Longwood, a beer that split opinion but sparked plenty of discussion.
The Rogue Shout Award, recognising the biggest surprise, went to Stephen S for Prairie Fairy by Sea Change Brewing, the first beer from outside British Columbia to win an advent award.
The Best Beer Award was taken by Tom Bush for Fluffy Cloud IPA by 33 Acres, which finished with an impressive average score of 4.4 out of 5, despite being the very first beer opened back at the start of December.
Looking ahead
Between cold water, carefully wrapped cans, and lively group chat debates, the early days of 2025 have already reinforced what Cook Street United values most. Shared experiences, effort behind the scenes, and people showing up for one another.
With training and matches just around the corner, attention now turns back to football. The club does so refreshed, connected, and ready to get moving again.
