The Crows Cup has capped off another successful year with one of its biggest carnivals to date.

More than 250 students from 12 schools across the northern suburbs descended on Ridley Reserve in November to participate in the Central Districts Crows Cup Carnival.

Gleeson College teacher Simon Barratt said the format of the Carnival gave all athletes an opportunity to shine.

“It’s only nine-aside so there is plenty of space for the girls to move around,” Barratt said.

“It’s a relaxed day not necessarily about competition but participation, and that works really well with what we are about.

“Whether they have played for many years or their first go, this carnival provides all of that for them.”

In 2022, almost 3000 athletes participated in Crows Cup Carnivals across metropolitan Adelaide, Mt Gambier, Naracoorte, Barossa, Clare, Pt Pirie, Whyalla, Pt Lincoln, Murraylands, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula.

Sacred Heart College, Seaford Secondary College, Westminster College and Unley High School also had the opportunity to compete in annual Optus Crows Cup curtain raiser at Adelaide Oval ahead of the Crows match against the West Coast Eagles on Sunday July 18.

Adelaide Football Club Community Programs Officer Sam Tharaldsen said it was a great result.

“Every time we run one of our Carnivals, I am still blown away by the enthusiasm and excitement from the girls,” Tharaldsen said.

“Our goal is to spark an interest in playing football, and we now have girls who are going on to join their local club and are seeing schools entering their own team in an ongoing competition since participating in a Carnival.

“It was a challenging year, with COVID disruptions and changing restrictions around school excursions, but we were really happy we were able to deliver 20 carnivals

“I would really like to thank the Crows Supporters Group whose lunch time barbeque has become such a big part of the day.”

The Crows Cup is an inter-school girls football carnival aimed at encouraging participants to give football a go in a fun and safe environment.

Planning for the 2022 program is now underway. For further information, including registration and dates for your area, email crowscup@afc.com.au.