Every year, the Victoria Teachers Games (VTG) bring together educators from across the state to connect, recharge, and celebrate. It’s a unique event that’s part professional development, part wellness, and part pure fun, all designed to honour the people shaping the next generation.
This year, VTG’25 was no exception. Over four days, hundreds of teachers and school staff came together in Melbourne to compete, collaborate, and celebrate the vital role they play in our communities.
For Gaga Games + Castle and Cubby, being part of VTG has never been about just turning up. It’s about showing up, with energy, with gratitude, and with something that makes teachers stop, smile, and say, “This is what schoolyards need.”
And that’s exactly what we brought to VTG’25.
A Two-Year Partnership in Motion
Our journey with VTG began in 2024, when we proudly came on board as official sponsors. That first year gave us the chance to introduce Gaga Ball to a community of educators who instantly understood its magic: a game where every student, regardless of skill level, can participate and feel like they belong.
Coming back in 2025 for the second year of our sponsorship was about building on that foundation. We didn’t just return, we levelled up. With new activations, fresh energy, and a growing community of educators already familiar with our brand, VTG’25 became a stage to deepen relationships and expand the conversation around inclusive play in schools.
Being part of VTG for two years in a row has given us something invaluable: continuity. Teachers who saw us in 2024 came back to share stories about how Gaga Ball had sparked new connections in their schools. Others who were curious last year finally jumped into the pit this year. That ongoing dialogue is at the heart of why we invest in these partnerships.
Bringing the Gaga Spirit to Life
As sponsors and stallholders, we had the privilege of creating a dedicated space where educators could experience Gaga Ball in action. Our Gaga Ball pit quickly became one of the most popular spots at the event, a place where teachers could let their guard down, have a laugh, and rediscover the joy of play.
The best part? Watching teachers realise just how powerful this simple, fast-paced game can be in a school setting. The moment they stepped into the pit, they understood. Gaga Ball isn’t about being the fastest or the strongest, it’s about inclusion, quick thinking, and shared laughter.
Teachers who hadn’t played since childhood found themselves diving back in, while others learned for the first time, often from colleagues who were already “hooked.” The energy was infectious, and for us, it was a living, breathing example of how Gaga Ball builds community, not just among kids, but among adults too.
The Amazing Race at Treasury Gardens
One of the most exciting parts of VTG’25 was the Amazing Race challenge, which saw teams of educators racing across Melbourne to complete a series of activations.
Gaga Games proudly hosted our own branded leg of the race at Treasury Gardens — and it was pure magic.
Participants took on a blindfolded obstacle course that tested communication and trust, battled it out in a soccer-themed Gaga pit game, and rounded it out with a game of OG Gaga Ball that had everyone laughing, strategising, and getting just a little bit competitive.
The atmosphere was electric. Teachers who spend their days guiding students suddenly found themselves guided by teammates, calling out directions, encouraging each other, and celebrating every small victory.
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Adding to the excitement were our young ambassadors, Charlie and Salih, who joined the fun and reminded us why we do this work. Their presence was a powerful reminder that Gaga Ball is, at its core, about kids, about giving them safe, joyful spaces where they can belong, lead, and thrive. Watching teachers and students share the same pit, laughing together, was one of the highlights of the entire weekend.
More Than Just Games
While our activations drew plenty of attention, what mattered most were the conversations that happened around them. At our stall, in the pit, and across the Gardens, we had the chance to talk with educators about the challenges they face and the opportunities they’re creating in their schools.
Time and again, one theme came through: teachers want activities that are inclusive, low-barrier, and high-impact. They’re looking for games that don’t leave anyone on the sidelines, that don’t require expensive equipment or specialist skills, and that encourage connection across year levels.
That’s why Gaga Ball resonates so strongly. It ticks every box. And at VTG’25, we got to show — not just tell — how it works in practice.
Why VTG Matters
For Gaga Games + Castle and Cubby, VTG is more than an event. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and connect with the very people who bring our mission to life: educators.
As our founders, Kellie and Jon, shared:
“Events like the Victoria Teachers Games are so special because they allow us to connect directly with the people who inspire and shape the next generation. Bringing Gaga Ball into these spaces is about celebrating play, joy, and the power of teachers to create inclusive environments for every child.”
That’s why we come back, and why we’ll keep showing up. Because when teachers are energised, inspired, and supported, the ripple effect for kids is immeasurable.
Looking Ahead
As VTG’25 comes to a close, we want to say a huge thank you to every educator who stopped by our stall, jumped into a game, or cheered on their colleagues in the Amazing Race. You reminded us, once again, that play isn’t just for kids, it’s for everyone.
The laughter, energy, and conversations we shared over these four days will stay with us long after the event wraps up. And we’re already looking forward to what comes next.
Stay Connected with Gaga Games
Want to see Gaga Ball in action again? Keen to know where you’ll find us next?
Enter our Giveaway, join our mailing list and be the first to hear about upcoming events, activations, and of course, the announcement of our national competition winner on 14 November.
Together, let’s keep the spirit of play alive in every schoolyard.