Six young stars have received a QBE Youth Girls Program Scholarship after making glowing impressions in the early days of the inaugural Youth Girls Program.

A total of 130 girls in under-12 and 13 categories were welcomed into the Sydney Swans family as the first female athletes in history in April.

An initial 12-week elite training program wrapped up at the Academy Cup on Monday night as one girl from each of the six QBE Sydney Swans Academy regions received a scholarship.

Under-13 trio Indyana Ross, Sarah Eagleton and Tianna Emmott Bennett and under-12 stars Polly Sewell, Lily Dorahey and Lily Hill were all presented with a scholarship.

Youth Girls Program head coach Mark Richardson said the attitude of the youngsters grabbed his attention from the outset.

“The willingness to rip in – that’s what stood out every time we did game-situation drills,” Richardson said.

“The hand skills, the tackling skills and that willingness to put their head over the football are what’s impressed us most.”

Richardson admitted the selection process made for a highly difficult task as so many of the girls had impressed across the initial 12 weeks.

The scholarships were presented based on attitude, commitment, professionalism, enthusiasm, improvement, ability and attendance – and Richardson says the handle the six scholarship-holders have on those attributes cannot be questioned.

Each scholarship totals approximately $550 and covers 2018 Youth Girls Program registration, a travel voucher worth $150, Nike football boots and a Sherrin football.

Young gun Bennett said claiming a scholarship was a reward for dedication.

“It’s hard to win it and it just shows all your hard work has paid off,” Bennett said.

“This is right up there with my biggest sporting achievements. I’ve never received a scholarship so to now have one makes me very happy.”

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