Geelong schools join Ballarat rivals for Respect Cup

TWO Geelong secondary schools have again taken part in the Respect Cup, using the annual football fixture to highlight gender equality and stand against community violence as part of International Women’s Day.

Sacred Heart College and St Joseph’s College faced Ballarat rivals Loreto College and St Patricks College respectively in the sixth edition of the event, which brings students and staff together to promote respect and inclusion both on and off the field.

Sacred Heart claimed the win over Loreto in the girls’ match.

Sacred Heart College co-captains Jayde Morrissy and Georgia Wall said the day reinforced the broader message behind the match.

“The Respect Cup has taught us to be bold, to be loud, and to never be afraid to take up space,” Wall said.

Morrissy added: “The impact of female football shatters stereotypes and gives young women confidence.”

While celebrating their victory, the Sacred Heart leaders praised the “determination and energy” of runners-up Loreto College and thanked their allies at St Joseph’s and St Patrick’s for supporting the initiative.

St Joseph’s College acting head of wellbeing programs Tom Breed said the event had strong backing from students across both schools.

“The boys from St Patrick’s and St Joseph’s really got behind the showpiece match played by Sacred Heart and Loreto,” he said.

“The girls showcased their skill and talent brilliantly, and from a Geelong perspective, it was great to see Sacred Heart deliver another strong performance.”

The boys’ match was a highlight, with St Joseph’s overcoming a 37-point deficit to come away with a 6-point win.

Breed said Geelong was looking forward to hosting the event in 2027.

“We’re already looking forward to future Respect Cups, especially next year as St Joseph’s are the host school,” he said.

“Well done to everyone involved in organising the day, and a special thank you to St Patrick’s College for hosting this year’s edition.”