This year saw the return of the hugely anticipated Alumni Football Tournament, which had been put on hold for a few years due to the unfortunate pandemic that affected us all.

For those unaware of this tournament, it has been going on for more than 10 years, albeit with this break due to Covid. It is a 7-a-side football tournament played solely by St. Julian’s Alumni from school leaving years dating as far back as 1994 (although we want to try and get alumni from even earlier) all the way up until the youngest team to date – alumni who left in 2021.

Initially organised as a way for old friends to meet up at least once a year, doing what we love to do, playing football, and even though it has had a great turnout since the beginning, it has now developed into a very special and much anticipated yearly gathering, for not only alumni but their friends and families too.

Over the last few years, we have seen a few upgrades. With the help of the school, this morning to early afternoon football tournament now features a nice BBQ for participants and their families and a bouncy castle for the kids, not to mention really good and professional referees handling the situation down on the pitches. This has allowed the participants and fellow Alumni to focus on comradery, sports, and enjoying a simple meal together under the shade of the iconic pine trees.

It is really great to see such a variety of age groups coming down for this day, and I do believe that this has become a very important event on the alumni social calendar.

Coming back to this year, what a great return it was, featuring 8 teams, with over 70 players from 14 different graduation years, playing what can only be described as very exciting and highly competitive matches. Seeing that competitive spirit still running through our veins so many years later is so nice. St. Julian’s definitely instilled such a healthy competitive spirit in us all. We had such a fantastic turnout, with all the participants, of course, but also so many family members and friends, staff and former staff showing up, all contributing to creating such a great atmosphere and a memorable day. It was a pleasure to see new and old faces all together, enjoying a pleasant day at the school.

Of course, we must give a special mention to the victors on the day. Congratulations to the team of alumni from the classes of 2012 and 2013 for taking home the trophy this year!

The future looks extremely positive for this Alumni event. We aim to keep it going strong but also steadily growing. One of the objectives we have had for some time, hopefully coming into fruition in 2025, will be to add a ladies' volleyball tournament to the day, too, bringing back fond memories of the Sports Festival, or to us oldies, the classic March Festival, we were so fond of.

I truly believe it is such a good feeling for all present to relive our lives at this iconic School, even if just for a few hours. So, if you want to participate or would like to come down on the day to visit some old friends, keep your eyes peeled. The next edition is scheduled for May 24, 2025!

Martim Figueiredo, Class of 2002
Chair of the St. Julian’s School Alumni Association

Please see a gallery of photos below.