The Optus Crows Cup pushed football female participation across South Australia to new heights in 2019.

The 9-aside girls carnival was held at more than 30 locations around the state and engaged with over 4,500 students, including a 533% increase in female football participation since 2018 in several areas.

The program is not just about football, with a focus on empowering girls to embrace their passions in a relaxed environment.

The program is delivered in both metro and regional areas, including Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Adelaide Hills, Riverland, Clare, Port Lincoln, Maitland, South East and Strathalbyn.

In the South East of South Australia, 38 teams were involved from local schools in the Naracoorte and Mount Gambier carnivals.  

Adding to the excitement, Adelaide Crows AFLW Premiership player Sarah Allan assisted in running the events.

Female students enjoyed getting to know the AFLW star and Allan was particularly inspired by the regional locations where she developed her love for football.

“It was a great experience to return to the South East to deliver football carnivals for students, Allan said

“I’m glad that they have an opportunity to play with other girls.

“We’ve been lucky to receive incredible support for this program which has allowed us to visit many regional areas for the first time in 2019.”

The winning teams from the South East, Millicent North and Naracoorte Primary School, travelled to Adelaide in late October to compete in the Optus Crows Cup State Final.

In total, 24 teams from all primary school carnivals competed for the state championship with Trinity Gardens Primary School taking top prize in Division One.

In 2020, the program will continue to promote female football and the AFLW by visiting new locations such as Jamestown, Barossa, Murray Bridge and Roxby Downs.

If you’d like to get your school or someone you know involved in an Optus Crows Cup, please contact Female Programs Officer Madi Hurley at mhurley@afc.com.au or visit https://www.afc.com.au/community/carnivals/optuscrowscup.

The Optus Crows Cup program would not be possible without Principal Partner Optus, which proudly support grassroots footy.

Optus Crows Cup State Finals Results

DIVISION 1

1^st - Trinity Gardens (Norwood Metro)
2^nd Henley Beach PS (Glenelg Metro)
3^rd Christies Beach PS (South Metro)
4^th Westminster (Glenelg Metro)
5^th West Lakes Shore (Eagles Metro)
6^th Gleeson College (Centrals Metro)

DIVISION 2

1^st Greenwith PS (Centrals Metro)
2^nd Kadina Memorial School (Eagles Country – Yorke Peninsula)
3^rd Flinders View PS (North Country – Port Augusta)
4^th Sacred Heart (Glenelg Metro)
5^th Stirling East PS (Sturt Country – Adelaide Hills)
6^th Nailsworth PS (North Metro

DIVISION 3

1^st Williamstown PS (Centrals Country – Barossa)
2^nd Hillcrest (North Metro)
3^rd Waikerie PS (West Country – Riverland)
4^th Concordia (Sturt Metro)
5^th Aberfoyle Hub (South Metro)
6^th Burnside PS (Sturt Metro)

DIVISION 4

1^st Naracoorte PS (Glenelg Country – South East)
2^nd Walkerville (North Metro)
3^rd St John the Baptist (West Metro)
4^th Eastern Fleurieu (South Country – Fleurieu Peninsula)
5^th Millicent North (Glenelg Country – South East)
6^th Burra Community School (Eagles Country)