The energy was electric at Wanderers Fives on Friday 5 December as 16 schools and 180 students came together for the Socktober Gala Day.
In partnership with the Western Sydney Wanderers and the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, the event combined the thrill of football with a powerful sense of community and purpose.
From the moment the students stepped onto the pitch, there was a palpable buzz of excitement.
Laughter and cheers filled the air as the young players competed in a fun and friendly tournament, refereed by Wanderers staff who helped bring an authentic match-day experience to life.
But beyond the goals and the gameplay, the heart of the day lay in its mission, supporting children and families in Zambia through Catholic Mission’s annual Socktober initiative.
Socktober is more than just a football event. It is a chance for students to make a global impact.
Throughout the day, students played with handmade sockballs, mirroring the very real realities faced by children in communities where sporting resources are limited.
Each kick and pass became a lesson in empathy and connection, linking the energy on the pitch with the fundraising efforts students had championed in their own schools.
The Socktober Gala Day was a reminder that football is more than a game. It is a way to bring people together, to inspire, and to make a difference here in Western Sydney and across the world. As the young players left the field, one thing was clear.
Together, we can play for a better future.
