Adelaide AFLW co-captain Chelsea Randall, midfielder Ebony Marinoff and the Crows community team are bringing the successful BHP Crows Cup Carnival to Whyalla next week.

Approximately 200 local students have already signed up to play in the Carnival which will be held at Bennett Oval on Wednesday, June 6.

The regional visit is being run in partnership with BHP which – through its South Australian Olympic Dam operation, located near Roxby Downs – is supporting the Crows’ AFLW team and the growth of grassroots football.

There will be 11 teams involved in the day, with every local school represented.

Aimed at year 5-7 girls, the nine a-side BHP Crows Cup Carnival encourages girls to have a go at footy in a fun, safe environment.

The day will also include a Next Generation Academy Shield aimed at year 5-7 boys. This 15 a-side Carnival promotes AFL to all cultures and the importance of sportsmanship.

Randall said the Club was thrilled to be working with BHP to grow football – particularly the women’s game – in the region.

“We love getting out to regional South Australia and we’re looking forward to teaming up with BHP to deliver some of our programs in Whyalla next week,” Randall said.

“We are hoping the session will encourage more girls and boys to have a go at footy for the first time or further develop their skills.

“The Carnival also promotes the benefits of physical activity, promotes teamwork and provides positive role models.”

BHP’s Head of Corporate Affairs for Olympic Dam, Emily Perry, said “we’re proud of our partnership with the Crows because it’s all about supporting diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and we’re so excited to see the BHP Crows Cup and Next Generation Academy Shield being played in Whyalla next month.

“We know that there’s nothing girls can’t do – whether it’s competing on the sporting field like the Crows’ AFLW champs or working in the mining sector with major projects like Olympic Dam – and as a business with colleagues from right across the world we know the value of bringing together different cultures and perspectives.

“We hope girls and boys from across the region will get involved in what promises to be a fantastic event.”