Terms 2 and 3 (Winter)
College football teams compete in the Canterbury Football competitions. The 1st XI competes in the Mainland Football Premier 1st XI competition on Wednesday during the season. The Junior 1st XI competes in the CSS Premier junior competition, also on Wednesday. Other teams compete in Mainland competitions on Saturday.
The senior football team also participates in several inter-school events and national tournaments throughout Terms 2 and 3.
The football club has undertaken several overseas tours. The most recent tour was to the UK, Spain and Portugal in September 2026.
Football Convenor: Ben Stroud – email hidden; JavaScript is required
Venue: Christ's College Cricket Ground, South Hagley Park
Training: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Uniform: College football shirt, socks and black shorts
Recent Success
2026
- Ravens crowned 17th Grade Division 1 League Champions.
- 3rd XI won the 17th Grade Division 6 Cup.
2025
- 1st XI qualified for the Premier National Championships after finishing 3rd in the Connetics Premier 1st XI competition.
- A dominant 6–1 quarterfinal victory highlighted the team’s strong playoff performance during the season.
- Outstanding individual contributions across the squad, including a 20-goal season and a player reaching the milestone of 70 First XI appearances.
2024
- The Junior XI placed 5th at the South Island U15 Invitational Tournament and secured 3rd place in the Canterbury School Sport Junior Premier grade.
- The 1st XI finished in the top 4 in the Mainland Schools Premier Competition
- Holders the Connetics Challenge Shield
- At the National Premier Tournament, the 1st XI achieved their best result in years, reaching the top 16.
Football Coaching Staff
Matt Cortesi
Master-in-Charge, 1st XI Coach
Matt Cortesi
Master-in-Charge, 1st XI Coach
MiC Football and 1st XI Manager, Matt is a passionate footballer. Having played and coached at a variety of levels, Matt has more than 20 years of coaching experience. He has taken several College football tours to both South and North America, as well as being the Canterbury Representative on the NZSSF Executive. Matt has been at Christ’s College since 2010 and has held multiple roles, such as a Head of Department and Housemaster of Harper House.
Ollie Hawkins
1st XI Co-Head Coach
Ollie Hawkins
1st XI Co-Head Coach
Co-head coach of the 1st XI, Ollie comes with plenty of experience in the school premiership, as previous head coach of the St Bede's College 1st XI. Ollie is also Football Development Manager for Ferrymead Bays FC, and in the process of completing his Oceania B-Licence.