Local schoolgirls put skills to the test to celebrate girls in sport

The next generation of local sportswomen took to the field to test their skills in Parramatta as part of the City’s annual Celebrating Girls in Sport Festival recently.

Nearly 200 girls from eight local schools converged on Cricket Central at Sydney Olympic Park to participate in clinics including rugby league, AFL, football, soccer, cricket, European handball, rock climbing and tennis as part of the clinic.

NRLW Parramatta Eels star Rachael Pearson, Sydney Thunder’s Sienna Eve and Claire Moore, GWS Giants netballer Tilly McDonnell and Channel 7 sports journalist Jelisa Apps took part in a Q&A, hosted by world champion and former water polo player Kerry Turner; to talk about their experiences and challenges they have faced during their rise to the top.

City of Parramatta chief executive officer Gail Connolly PSM said the festival gave local girls a unique opportunity.

“Parramatta is the home of sport and it’s really inspiring to see young girls in the City kicking goals and aiming for the stars,” Ms Connolly said.

“We want more women to get on the field or out on the court, whether they’re aiming for greatness or just having fun, and we have the programs and facilities to help them on their way.

“Council is proud to run the Celebrating Girls in Sport Festival and hopes all girls who attended have been inspired to get involved in sport, on or off the field.”

The schoolgirls also had the chance to socialise and take photos with their friends and panellists at a special photo booth to create memories of the day.

“City of Parramatta is passionate about improving and maintaining its sportsgrounds,” Ms Connolly said.

“Whether it’s at Sydney Olympic Park or our suburban grounds such as F.S. Garside Park in Granville, Council is working hard to deliver and provide the facilities to help Australia’s next sporting superstars.”