BOWLING, kicking, batting and dribbling was the order of the day as over 100 primary school girls got to play like Ellyse Perry for a day in Tamworth.
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Perry is Australia’s premier sports woman, representing Australia in both cricket and football at the same time.
The Ellyse Perry challenge hit Tamworth on Thursday with the girls alternating between modified cricket and football games every 45 minutes.
Former NSW, Tasmania, Leicestershire and Australian spinner Jason Krejza and Newcastle Jets star Jasmin Courtney were the guest stars for the day.
Krezja was also special guest at the Narrabri Cricket Awards Night on Wednesday.
Unfortunately Perry could not be there as she is preparing to go for a third Women’s ICC World T20 title in India.
The competition starts on Monday, and Perry is looking to have a big impact after picking up the Player of the Series Award from the recent Ashes campaign.
Back in Tamworth at the Gipps St fields balls and bats were flying everywhere.
Krejza was overwhelmed by how many girls came out to be part of the day.
“It is fantastic to see them all running around in the sun and having fun,” Krezja said.
“I think young girls hold back and don’t go out and play any and every sport like boys do.”
“This is a great chance for them to try different games and see what they like.”
Newcastle Jets striker Courtney agreed that girls don’t always get to try as many sports as boys.
She though that it was a great idea because it was girls only.
“Mixed sport at this age doesn’t always work,” Courtney said.
“The boys keep the ball off the girls or play by themselves and the girls are left standing around at the back.”
“This day gives the girls a great chance to get out there and have a go without being embarrassed or anything like that.”
Both sports stars agreed that the day also rubbed in the fact that Perry can excel at both games and is a freak of Australian sport.
Regional Development Manager Kathy Barber said that it was a great day with some great role models.
The aim of the day was to get girls out playing sport, but also to show them where sport can take them.
“It is all about growing the game.”
“It doesn’t matter what game that is, as long as the kids are out and involved in sport.”
