College cup a clash of respect

HIGH school footballers from Ballarat and Geelong will compete in the second annual Respect Cup at Mars Stadium next week, marking International Women’s Day.

On Wednesday, March 9, Loreto College and St Patrick’s College football teams will respectively play against Sacred Heart College and St Joseph’s College, with the boys providing the curtain-raiser, before the ultimate game between the girls’ schools.

The Cup was established in 2021, with the inaugural comp held at GMHBA Stadium, to promote and support International Women’s Day and encourage respectful relationships.

All teams’ uniforms will include a touch of purple to acknowledge the iconic colour IWD is known for, and the brother-sister schools with the highest combined score will take home the Respect Cup for the next 12 months.

Loreto College Year 12 student and Greater Western Victoria Rebels player Charlee Hill will be part of the event for the first time.

“Girls from the local and NAB football leagues are getting involved, as well as others that are new to the game, which is great to see,” she said.

“Both St Pat’s and Loreto are wearing the same uniform. It’s great to have our brother school on board, helping to share the messages of International Women’s Day. We’re so excited to play at Mars Stadium.”

Hill’s teammate Kailah Scott will play in her second Respect Cup match.

“It sends a great message for gender equality, creating respect for girls and women in sport, and getting more women and girls involved in footy,” Scott said.

“Sacred Heart are strong opponents, so this year will be another tough game.”

St Joseph’s deputy principal Mark Kennedy said the games will see plenty of excitement and skill on the field, but it’s so much more than just a football match.

“Being all-boys schools, St Pat’s and St Joseph’s are really keen to do as much as we can to promote the themes of International Women’s Day, and create gender equality and respect,” he said.

“The day’s theme this year is ‘break the bias’, and we’re leaning into that. A lot of people will come to watch, and players will come together afterwards, all to appreciate the key messages.

“Heading up to Ballarat this year, we hope the cup is a legacy that continues for a very long time. The focus is all about participation.”

St Patrick’s College captain James Clark will be playing on the day and said he was proud to contribute to the “wonderful initiative” in its early years.

“I hope it becomes a strong tradition,” he said. St Pat’s and St Joseph’s are on field at Mars Stadium from 2pm to 3.30pm, before the main game, Loreto versus Sacred Heart goes from 3.45pm to 5.15pm.