![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/IMG_8835_65152.jpg\")
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A highly anticipated clash for a worthy cause, the Respect Cup strikes a major chord with players.<\/p>\n
“The Respect Cup is a great opportunity to promote healthy and respectful relationships and champion women in sport here in Ballarat,” Loreto College captain Kate Aikman said.<\/p>\n
“I’m very excited to participate this year, as it’s my final Respect Cup.<\/p>\n
“It is a privilege to play alongside students from all year levels and to represent the school in partnership with St Pat’s.”<\/p>\n
St Patrick’s College principal Steven O’Connor said the Respect Cup provided an important platform for young people to lead positive cultural change.<\/p>\n
“The Respect Cup is much more than a football match,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It is a powerful statement about the kind of young men and women we hope to form \u2013 people who understand the importance of dignity, equality and respectful relationships.<\/p>\n
“As a Catholic school community, we are proud to stand alongside our partner colleges to promote the message of International Women’s Day and to encourage our students to be advocates for respect in their everyday lives.”<\/p>\n
St Patrick’s College 1st XVIII captain Ethan Drever said the playing group valued the opportunity to represent a cause greater than the game itself.<\/p>\n
“It’s a real privilege to lead St Patrick’s College in this year’s Respect Cup,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It’s an important game on our calendar \u2014 not only because we’re playing a quality side in St Joseph’s \u2014 but because it gives us a chance to stand for something bigger than footy.<\/p>\n
“Being alongside Loreto to promote gender equality, encourage respectful relationships and recognise the growth of women’s sport makes the day even more meaningful.<\/p>\n
“This match is a chance for us to lead by example and show that equality and respect should always be part of our culture.”<\/p>\n
Drever’s sentiments were echoed by opposing captain, St Joseph’s College’s Darcy Harrington.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “The Respect Cup is a moment you look forward to in your whole schooling journey,” he said.<\/p>\n It’s a great game for a great cause.<\/p>\n “I’m very excited to be a part of it and captain of the team.”<\/p>\n Sacred Heart College is leaving no stone unturned in spreading the word on respect and unity, and in the pursuit of victory, naming co-captains and one vice-captain.<\/p>\n Year 12 students Jayde Morrissy and Georgia Wall will share the top job with assistance from Layne Harvey.<\/p>\n The trio could not be more honoured to be leading their team into battle on such an important occasion.<\/p>\n “The Respect Cup has been a big part of my Sacred Heart experience,” Morrissy said.<\/p>\n “The match is extremely important as we get to be part of the demonstration of females in footy and how far it’s progressed.”<\/p>\n Wall said the Respect Cup had contributed so much to her development as not only a footballer, but a person.<\/p>\n “In the 2024 Respect Cup, I was a water girl and now two years later in Year 12, I’m co-captain of this year’s team,” she said.<\/p>\n For vice-captain Harvey, who will be one of the youngest players participating as a year 10 student, the Respect Cup is a defining moment.<\/p>\n “Being involved in the Respect Cup means showing everyone that although we are girls, we aren’t different from anyone else,” she said.<\/p>\n “We can still play a sport that is typically male dominated.<\/p>\n “It’s a game where we can try our best and be our best.”<\/p>\n Wednesday’s matches will be live streamed via Associated Catholic Colleges Victoria’s YouTube channel, allowing the broader community to support the initiative and share in the important message behind the event.<\/p>\n The event is open to the public.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" BALLARAT and Geelong-based Catholic colleges will bring unity and respect to the fore when they go head-to-head on the footy field in the annual Respect Cup next week. Building on tradition, Loreto College and St Patrick’s College will take on Sacred Heart College and St Joseph’s College this Wednesday at Mars Stadium. The Respect Cup […]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/IMG_8848_65776.jpg\")