Teen girls will receive a sporting confidence boost when they meet their idols tomorrow (Wed, June 2) as part of a program to encourage more active lifestyles.
Up to 300 year 7 to 10 girls from Merrylands High School will take part in a full day program, including a Q&A panel with four of Australia’s sporting elite.
Mayor Steve Christou said the “Girls Get Active” program was run by council as part of the “Healthy Kids” initiative he started in 2019.
“Women have many more hurdles and challenges than their male counterparts. They excel on the field while balancing university studies and part time jobs. Women are still required to work other jobs, whereas males can often play sport full time professionally.
“This event provides the opportunity for teens to engage with successful athletes both on and off the field, explore new sports, build confidence and be more active.”
After the panel discussion, girls will be invited to try different sports, with each station facilitated by the panellists and/or staff from the state sporting organisations.
Panellists:
- Volleyball - Erin McKinnon : Erin burst onto the AFLW scene, earning a NAB AFLW Rising Star nomination in 2017 and being named All Australian ruck in 2018. She has continued to develop her craft and be a key part of the GIANTS' side. She is now a keen multi-sport athlete from AFL and now playing Pathway Volleyball
- Cricket - Saskia Horley enters her third session with the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL06 after making her debut during WBBL05 where she played 4 matches. Horley has progressed through the strong Cricket NSW Pathway system as a teenager
- Softball - Jayde Jensen was selected in the NSW Combined High School Sports Association Softball team after her performance at the NSW Championships. Jayde was also named one of the top performers of the championship as MVP of the Sydney East team. She also won the Peter Zegiel Spirit of the Game Award. This prestigious award is presented to a player who demonstrates character and sportsmanship.
- NRL - Simaima Taufa-Kautai is an Tongan-Australian rugby league footballer who plays as a lock for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL Women's Premiership and Mounties RLFC in the NSWRL Women's Premiership. She is an Australian and New South Wales representative.
