Mini stars shine in inaugural Opal Little Saints Cup
Smiles couldn’t be wiped off young faces in the inaugural Opal Little Saints Cup, which saw almost 100 primary school girls take part in the multi-day, interschool carnival.
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 female students 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.
The teams worse singlets in all of Opal’s six key colours which looked bright and colourful out on the ground.
St Louis Aspendale took top honours over Black Rock in the Grand Final, receiving a football-shaped trophy made from corrugated cardboard by St Kilda’s AFLW co-major-partner and sponsor of the tournament, Opal.
St Kilda AFLW players Hannah Priest, Caitlin Greiser, Grace Kelly, Ella Friend and Jess Matin helped coach, facilitate and organise the three days of football fun. Hannah Priest, Caitlin Greiser and Grace Kelly all work in St Kilda Football Club’s Community Department.
“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 that for many young girls, this is the spark to get them playing football and building strong friendships that will last a long, long time.”
Find out more about Opal’s partnership with St Kilda AFLW.
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.