The boys had no idea about the rules of junior soccer, and could barely kick a ball. They spent most of the match facing the wrong way on the pitch.

But as this photo shows, they were having the time of their lives.

For me, this image captures two defining and integral aspects of Australian culture — sportsmanship and mateship — in one joyful image.

These little Aussies from all different cultural backgrounds seemed to know without being taught that sport is fun, not just because you might win a trophy at the end of the season, but because you get to be part of something bigger with your friends.

That’s what they were interested in: one another. It was a game of “I’m here with you, mate.”

Ever since that first soccer match, I’ve come to realize just how tightly the rituals of Saturday-morning sport are woven into the fabric of Australian families’ lives: the early-morning rush to find lost jerseys and shin pads, the piling of siblings into the car, collecting other teammates on the way to local sports grounds to cheer on loved ones little and large, and have a yarn about the week.

It’s not just about whether you win or lose, but how many sausage sandwiches and jelly snakes you can score once the game is over.