Gateway College proudly completed a historic Netball Tour to Brunei from 20th to 27th August 2025, marking a milestone in the school’s sporting journey. A team of 21 talented students, aged between 12 and 17 years, represented Gateway College Colombo, Kandy, Negombo, and Dehiwala, gaining their first taste of international netball exposure under professional conditions.

Gateway Reds
The Gateway Reds faced three strong Brunei national school teams, testing their skills and resilience on the court.

• Game 1: Lost to Bumble Bees (10–19), a squad featuring Brunei Under 21 pool players.
• Game 2: Bounced back with a hard fought victory against Mad Divas, a seasoned club team, winning 17–12.
• Game 3: Sealed an emphatic triumph over Mason Secondary School with a convincing 22–06 scoreline.

Gateway Blues
The Gateway Blues matched up against the Brunei School Squad, who are preparing for the upcoming Asian Schools’ Games. The series featured three thrilling encounters:

• Game 1: A nail-biting 22–19 victory.
• Game 2: A close 23–26 defeat in a high-intensity clash.
• Game 3: A strong comeback, winning 17–12.

A Historic Sporting Experience
This initiative was made possible through the efforts of Ms. Thilaka Jinadasa, former Team Leader of Sports Development at Gateway College and current head coach of the Brunei National Netball Team. After visiting Gateway with the Brunei squad, she worked with the Brunei Ministry of Education and the Brunei Netball Association to organize this valuable tour.

The matches were also used as a model run for the upcoming Asian Schools’ International Netball Tournament, underscoring the importance of Gateway’s participation. For the young athletes, this was their first opportunity to play matches with four full quarters, providing a crucial step in their sporting development. Accommodation at the official Games Village further enhanced the players’ experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of an international tournament.

Gateway College’s netballers returned home not only with victories but also with memories, confidence, and invaluable experience that will inspire them in future competitions. This tour reflects Gateway’s continued commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and nurturing international sporting connections.