St Kilda’s AFLW side isn’t the only outfit doing great things at RSEA Park, with almost 100 primary school girls descending on Moorabbin earlier this month with the inaugural Opal Little Saints Cup.
Run exclusively for young females in Grades 5 and 6, the round-robin tournament aims to give young girls a fun introduction to football while encouraging friendship, participation and teamwork in a welcoming environment.
Six primary schools took part in the nine-a-side competition across September, with games – and a finals series – played across three days between Mentone Girls Grammar, St Louis Aspendale, Black Rock, Clarinda, Brighton Beach and St Mary’s Hampton Primary Schools.
St Louis Aspendale took top honours over Black Rock in the Grand Final, receiving a football-shaped trophy made of sustainable materials from St Kilda’s AFLW co-major-partner and sponsor of the tournament, Opal.
AFLW players Hannah Priest, Caitlin Greiser, Grace Kelly, Ella Friend and Jess Matin helped coach, facilitate and organise the three days of football fun, with Greiser, Priest and Kelly all working in St Kilda Football Club’s Community Department in various roles.
"It was terrific to see so many young students participate in and enjoy the inaugural Opal Little Saints Cup," Opal Head of Marketing and Innovation Steven Cramer said.
"We're proud to support this initiative and hope for many young girls, this is the spark to get them playing football and building strong friendships that will last a long, long time."
If you’d like to register your interest or find out more information about St Kilda Football Club’s education programs, including the Opal Little Saints Cup, please contact stkeducation@saints.com.au.
