Enthusiasm was at a high as 200 QBE Sydney Swans Academy Youth Girls Program athletes met in Centennial Park for the first Academy Cup of 2019 on Monday night.

The first of three 2019 Academy Cup hit-outs saw all three Youth Girls Program age groups – the under-12s, under-13s and under-14s – lace up the boots for a round-robin competition culminating in a Grand Final.

The primary purpose of the Academy Cup is to gauge the skill level, competitiveness and game understanding of the players, and in doing so team up girls from different junior clubs.

Academy General Manager Chris Smith spoke glowingly of the girls’ attitude to Monday night’s tournament.

“Their efforts last night were nothing short of outstanding,” Smith told Swans Media.

“It never ceases to amaze me the genuine enthusiasm the girls have for the game of AFL, the competitive spirit they display and the thirst for knowledge and improvement." 

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