Ellyse Perry Challenge rocks Valentine Sports Park

The Ellyse Perry Challenge, a joint initiative with Football NSW and Cricket NSW, took centre stage at Valentine Sports Park on Tuesday 12th May as school girls from around the district gathered for an eventful day.

Aimed at girls from year’s five to eight, the event leverages football and cricket and encourages girls to lead healthier and active lifestyles.

It was also significant that the event played a pivotal role in Football NSW’s ‘Female Football Week’ which concluded on Tuesday after a week-long festival of football that included appearances from the Westfield Matildas amongst school visits promoting the round ball game.

With trained staff from each sport, the girls played both Cricket and Football, learning skills and games which all girls thoroughly enjoyed.

The Ellyse Perry Challenge provided participants an opportunity to try two great sports, learn new skills, as well as meeting Ellyse.

The well-known all-rounder enjoyed what was a fantastic day for both sports as she continued to fly the flag as a key ambassador as she praised the new facility at Glenwood.

“It’s been really fun I certainly enjoyed meeting all the girls and I hope they had a lot of fun too.

“They’re phenomenal facilities here at Football NSW which has really added to the event.

“It’s been nicely setup on the one field and to have some great weather also has aided to what’s been a very enjoyable day.

Perry is the youngest person, male or female, to represent Australia in cricket and the first Australian woman to have appeared in both cricket and association football World Cups.

The 24-year-old, who played football for the likes of Sydney FC in the W-League and NWS Koalas in the PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1 competition was delighted with the drive each participant shared on the day.

“It’s always really wonderful to see young girls having a go, particularly playing football and cricket which are two sports that are really important to me but more importantly it is really nice to give them an opportunity and to see lots of smiling and lots of energy has been really delightful.””

Get social