Kings Langley PS claims Paul Kelly Cup
Blacktown based Kings Langley Public School has become the first school ever to take out the Paul Kelly Cup girls state-wide title winning today’s grand final by seven points over Clovelly Public School.
It was a fitting way to celebrate the commencement of the new girls based competition with the western Sydney school taking the ultimate prize at the home of Team GWS at Blacktown Olympic Park.
For the girls it has been a month to remember with the same team winning the state indoor soccer championships only two weeks ago.
Coach of the school, Matt Figures, said the team may even make it three state victories from as many events.
“It was a wonderful day for the girls, I think it was a great that the girls get an opportunity to play AFL,” Figgers said.
“The girls really enjoy coming here, it’s a great achievement because it is their second state title this year and the same girls are playing in the state final in three weeks for outdoor soccer.”
Today’s victory was made even more special for the school with dual premiership winning captain of Geelong, Tom Harley, presenting the top four teams with their medallions.
With Team GWS set to enter the AFL in 2012, Figgers said he has seen a significant increase in the interest of AFL in the area.
“I think it [AFL] has been great, this is a soccer team and now that the girls have been playing AFL they have been following it – they actually went to the Swans’ final yesterday and enjoyed it,” he said.
“So the school is getting behind AFL and is enjoying it which is great for the girls and for the game.”
Captain of Kings Langley Public School’s AFL team, Amy McKenzie, said the side had an enjoyable day.
“The day was really fun, I like playing as a team and overcoming some challenges,” she said.
“AFL is really fun and I’d recommend it to my friends. I like that you can kick the ball really far and kick goals.”
This year’s Paul Kelly Cup saw over 15,000 participants from 950 teams battle it out to progress through to the state finals.
The event has quickly become one of the largest primary school based competitions in Australia and has even been used as a potential talent pool for AFL clubs with Sydney Swans midfielder Kieren Jack being discovered playing in the competition.
AFL (NSW/ACT) Schools and Universities Coordinator Mark Ayers said it was a successful start to the two-day event.
“It was fantastic to see so many students take part in this year’s event,” Ayers said.
“The opening day of the Paul Kelly Cup was a huge success and it looked as though all of the girls had an enjoyable time.
“I look forward to next year and seeing the competition expand even further.”
Click here for all of the scores.
The Paul Kelly Cup boys state final will commence at Blacktown Olympic Park tomorrow for the 24 schools involved.
