Ellyse Perry Challenge kicks goals

Moore Park in Sydney’s east was a hive of activity as 50 of the states up-coming female athletes came together enjoying new football and cricket skills in the inaugural Ellyse Perry Challenge on Thursday July 25.
A joint initiative between Football NSW and Cricket NSW, the Ellyse Perry Challenge was about encouraging young girls to be active and participate in sport.
Participants travelled from all around Sydney and from as far as the country town of Wee Waa for the event in what proved to be a memorable day for all involved.
Perry herself was delighted to have seen so many happy faces and was honoured to be the events namesake.
“It was such a fantastic day, I know I had a huge amount of fun and I hope the girls had just as much fun also,” Perry said.
“It was a great opportunity for the girls to play football and cricket all day while in the company of their friends enjoying the social part of sport too. I think for me certainly growing up this aspect played a huge role.
“To be able to provide an opportunity to young girls to come along to play sport as well as be healthy and active was great to see and certainly a huge thrill for me.
“It was a privilege to be involved in such an event and the initiative shown from both Football NSW and Cricket NSW was truly wonderful.”
The day-long clinic saw girls take part in skills sessions and modified games across both sports.
Participants were also treated to an informative guided tour of the SCG where they had a unique chance to visit the player’s dressing rooms and walk on the ground. 
Arguably the highlight of the day was the chance to meet the dual international herself, with the girls given the chance to ask questions of Perry, former Matilda, Sydney FC player and now Football NSW Game Development and Women’s Football Participation Officer Renee Rollason as well as Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars and Lend Lease Breakers player Rachael Haynes.
The Butterfly Foundation also made an appearance on the day providing a talk about the importance of positive body image.
While this was the first ever Ellyse Perry Challenge, Football NSW and Cricket NSW have plans to roll out this clinic across the State.
The Ellyse Perry Challenge was well documented in the Australian media during the week with features on Fox Sports as well as stories in the Daily Telegraph and Sydney Morning Herald.
-Football NSW Media Release