Luke Ablett, Brett Kirk, Craig Bolton and Michael O’Loughlin watched some of the finals games before speaking to the students, who were competing for a spot in the State final, to be held on July 28th.
Cameron French, Schools and Universities Manager of AFL NSW, said the number of teams from across the state competing in this year’s Paul Kelly Cup was a record.
“We’ve had 900 sides enter from across the state this year, which is up on last year, and certainly the success of the Swans has meant more and more kids want to get involved in the game.”
“We’d love to break the 1000-mark. Hopefully next year we’ll get there, it’s certainly an aim of ours, but 900 teams with kids who don’t normally play the game getting involved is great in anyone’s books. “
Mr French said the tournament, in which students in grades 5 and 6 students from across the state represent their schools in round robin carnivals, gives a range of students their first taste of AFL football.
“A lot of these students wouldn’t have played AFL before, so they’re playing for the first time. We play modified rules, meaning there’s less tackle and less contact, so for those who are just learning the game it’s really a great option for them.”
Sydney Swans forward Michael O’Loughlin said the skills of the young students playing on Tuesday were very impressive.
“I think a few years ago, a lot of the younger players would have been rugby players who took up Aussie Rules part time and had a kick with their school, but some of the skills on the kids today were outstanding.”
“The Paul Kelly cup has obviously gone from strength to strength, but the main thing I got out of it, watching the kids, was the skill level which outstanding. Most of them were holding the footy the right way and handpassing correctly. There were a few rough diamonds there, but it was great fun.”
O’Loughlin said the kids’ enthusiasm for the Swans was very evident.
“When we rocked up, they were pretty excited. It was great to see that enthusiasm and that passion for AFL in Sydney, it was huge.”
